On this episode, Abs and Mags discuss the causes and treatments of phobias, including their own experiences with irrational fears and how they overcame them.
I am listening to your pod cast about phobias. One on mine is going to grocery store. I am no sure why this phobia. Sometimes I can get past the panic and have to leave. Sometimes I able to fight it. There is anxiety every time I go. I love to shop I do not have this problem with other stores. Any suggestions ???
Check out our facebook page; we decided to ask the sisterhood for feedback on this issue (without mentioning your name), and we got tons of great responses. You are clearly not alone with this phobia!
This is the first of your podcasts that I have listened to… but it’s me! This is exactly what I needed to hear! I have a terrible phobia of vomiting, to the point where I will avoid people who have been sick for weeks, I wash my hands and clean my house excessively, I avoid certain foods, and just the slightest upset in my stomach will send me into a panic attack. I have also considered never having children because I don’t think I could handle it. I have never met anyone or heard anyone’s story who has come through emetephobia successfully so that was very inspiring. I don’t have any close friends who have anxiety like I do, or even understand it, so this was very cool to hear. Thank you guys for conquering it and sharing that with us!
Hi there. This is Abs, and I am going to sit with you for a bit while we get this anxiety under control. If it helps, you can close your eyes and hear my voice, or, if you’d prefer, you can read along on your screen.
Before we begin, let me just say that I know how uncomfortable you are right now. It’s really awful to be taken over by anxiety but, I promise you, I have been there many times, and I am 100% confident that you will get through this episode. I am going to help you. You are not alone.
First, take a breath in through your nose as deeply as you can; then release it through your mouth with a whooshing sound. This is a calming breath—the intake of oxygen signals your brain that it needs to send out some “feel good” chemicals. Let’s see if we can get those to kick in.
Take another breath.
Now, this is going to sound weird, but try not to resist the panic—don’t try to cut it off or stop it in any way. Panic operates in a cycle: the more time you spend trying to stop it, the more intense it gets. You know how they say you have to ride the wave instead of fight it? Well here is your wave…just go with it. You will not drown.
Take another breath.
Next, start talking to yourself—out loud works best. Tell yourself, “this too shall pass” or “I am okay.” Keep saying the words over and over again.
Another breath.
Are you still talking? Good. Now try to make yourself more comfortable. Loosen anything constraining you, like a bra or tight jeans or even a hair scrunchie. Naked, if possible, is good.
Breathe.
Okay, last step: cool down. Panic tends to produce heat so grab a cold washcloth or icepack. Splash cold water on your face and neck. Blast the a/c. If it is cool out, you may want to take a walk.
Keep repeating your mantra and stay cool (literally) until your body starts to regulate.
Connie
I am listening to your pod cast about phobias. One on mine is going to grocery store. I am no sure why this phobia. Sometimes I can get past the panic and have to leave. Sometimes I able to fight it. There is anxiety every time I go. I love to shop I do not have this problem with other stores. Any suggestions ???
Abs
Hi Connie–
Check out our facebook page; we decided to ask the sisterhood for feedback on this issue (without mentioning your name), and we got tons of great responses. You are clearly not alone with this phobia!
Hugs,
Abs & Mags
Dannette
This is the first of your podcasts that I have listened to… but it’s me! This is exactly what I needed to hear! I have a terrible phobia of vomiting, to the point where I will avoid people who have been sick for weeks, I wash my hands and clean my house excessively, I avoid certain foods, and just the slightest upset in my stomach will send me into a panic attack. I have also considered never having children because I don’t think I could handle it. I have never met anyone or heard anyone’s story who has come through emetephobia successfully so that was very inspiring. I don’t have any close friends who have anxiety like I do, or even understand it, so this was very cool to hear. Thank you guys for conquering it and sharing that with us!