Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

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Emetophobia. Am I alone?

Kuno78
Kuno78
This is pretty embarassing for me to talk about, but I feel like it is destroying my life and it is the biggest symptom of my panic attacks.

The worst part of my panic attacks is the feeling of nausea and dizzyness, which makes me feel like I need to vomit. Because of this, I sometimes force myself to gag and throw up just to release the tension.

My big fear is that this will become a habit/ritual and I won't be able to stop. It literally drives me to tears because of the fear and I feel like I am on my way to being locked up in a loony bin because of not being able to stop gagging or throwing up. I have severe OCD, so isn't it possible that this could become my next ritual?

Only the worst thoughts come to mind. What if I am forced to vomit up every meal because of this urge? What if I do go crazy?

Does anyone else suffer from this? I feel alone and I really do believe that this will someday become my next big ritual. I am PETRIFIED and having constant panic attacks over this.
harry3333
harry3333
its common
look for emetophobia or FOV boards on the net
a panic attack can be reduced by disolving a valium under the tongue and deep slow breathing
Christopher22
Christopher22
I would like to have more information, the reason I say that is that I've gone through the same think and the real problem turned out to be vertigo. it was causing the dizziness and the nausia, and because of those symptoms it was blamed on my panic disorder. But those symptoms were causing the Panic attacks. I actually was blown off once they found out I was bipolar and had a panic disorder I was sent to a psych ward. My pcp finally gave me the right diagnosis and I was very relieved.Dizziness can be very scary, it gives you a loss of sense of control.
Christopher22
Christopher22
As far as the vommiting I was doing it out of control and couldn't keep anything down. vertigo itself causes something like sea sickness and the treatment for it is a drug called Meklazine which the same drug given to those suffering from sea sickness. I may be totally wrong but it gives you something to think about. Please see you priary doctor to address the diziness.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When I am feeling anxious, I immediately get sick to my stomach. And then I can't think about anything but "what if I throw up" especially in public. I think you are maybe inducing vomiting to do it on your own terms and then you are in control. And I know where you are coming from. Look up some meditation and breathing techniques, but it would be best to see a professional. It has helped me out so much. I still have bad days but there was a time where I couldn't even leave the house because I was afraid of throwing up. It will get better. I know its super hard to live in fear or like you are walking on eggshells. But it does get better. Give it some thought. Good luck to you! :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
i know exactly what your going through i too have emetophobia but unlike you i try not to vomit im so scared! i even stop eating just because im so scared ... im nauseas every single day as we speak im trying not to gag .... you are not alone in this and if you ever need someone to talk to message me im a good listener =)