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I need some 'talking down' please *warning health anxiety trigger*

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Posted 8/22/2011 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Please feel free to ignore/skip this post if you are suffering health anxiety, I do not want to trigger anybody!:)

Okay friends, I need to be talked down off of the anxiety ceiling.  My youngest daughter has had the stomach flu virus since Saturday.  She was attending a slumber party when I got the call that she was not feeling well.

Before I could get her and the sleeping gear out of the host's house, she threw up all over their living room carpet!  Then we spent a sleepless night with V and D every half hour or so.  Poor thing:(

Yesterday she had a high fever and just stayed low.  Today she is over her symptoms, but I kept her home (the first day of school!!!)

My problem is now that she is feeling better, and the adrenaline of taking care of a sick little one is pretty much over, my health anxiety is kicking in.

I am completely phobic of stomach viruses.  I absolutely dread the thought of vomiting and the helpless weak feeling that accompanies it.  Of course, I was up to my elbows in the well, you know...between the clean up and the laundry, it is high exposure for the caregiver!

I am now on 'high alert' to every twinge and/or wierd sensation in myslef.  I am trying to do my breathing and relaxation and positive mantras...not in a state of panic, but could use some encouragement from my HW family!

Thanks guys (and sorry if that was TMI)

S.C.

 

Posted 8/22/2011 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
Awwww SC,
I'm sure it's different for every household, but when my kids got the bug, I either didn't get it or if I did....it was a couple weeks after they did...more times than not I didn't or got a milder version of it.

I'm sorry I don't have good advice and it's because I never had that kind of health anxiety...I hated body sensations, but didn't worry too much about possible upcoming health issues.

I guess what I can say is....you know just as well as I do that what you need is to quit focusing on it!!!....ride a bike, read a book...streak through the mall....oops, was that out loud...delete that!
Do all your breathing and relaxation things, but remember....you won't need those methods as much if you get your mind in a better place and think about what is good and not what is bad or could be bad.....stop planting seeds!!

You have been through many episodes of things like this...anxiety anyway and you have managed to come out OK and you will again this time.....just remember, you hold the key....change your thoughts and remind yourself that you are OK.....because you are OK.

If a zebra is chased by a lion and manages to get away...it will go back to eating like nothing ever happened....they did a study on this. We should be like the zebra...no lion...nothing to fear....try not to create the lion....as of this moment if there isn't one...try to relax.

I have a feeling this didn't help much, well except for the mall part, but I hope you feel better....be your own best friend and talk yourself down you like you would talk me or anyone else down....you can do this....I know it and you know it......as your daughter might put it..."get out of stress city MOM!

big hugs and hope you feel better very soon........me
Posted 8/22/2011 9:26 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks WM, you are right of course...this is just an extra challenge as the probability of my fear is very reasonable. I have come so far in not worrying about things that aren't likely to happen, but considering how immersed I was in 'biohazards' I will be pretty lucky not to succumb;p

I will stay distracted though and not 'future trip'and anticipate the worst. It's funny, when you do that, you live through the misery even if it doesn't happen...how silly!

Speaking of silly, you will not be seeing me on the 6:00 news...there's no need for innocent people to suffer in order for me to forget my phobia...IOW, no streaking for this cat! shocked smilewinkgrin


Thanks for the support, and I'll keep y'all posted.
S.C.

Posted 8/22/2011 9:36 PM (GMT 0)
To My Dear Friend SC

Sorry to read that your daughter has been ill I hope she is feeling better now i'm not a parent but it must be worrying when one of your kids is unwell. Well done for taking care of her sounds like you did an excellent job. I know how you feel with the health anxiety, When you get in that mindset we do become very aware of our bodies and any twinges or aches ect ect can feel like a major problem.

Try and use the techniques you have learned in CBT which can be difficult when health anxiety is in full flow. We are all here to support you my friend you give so much support to others here that it is only fair we help and support you. Take care of you and my email is open if you would like a chat.

Big Hugs

B
Posted 8/22/2011 9:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks B, that was really nice, and I am feeling better:) I am just going to do my best to relax, not try to 'control' the situation and let it be, as they say. I hope that things are looking up for you, you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time!

(I'll e-mail you soon)

Hugs and high fives,
S.C.
Posted 8/22/2011 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Hey WM...I know I said that you are right, and you are, but I have to just give another view point on one of the things mentioned in your post, as I think it applies to our members.

You said...'Do all your breathing and relaxation things, but remember....you won't need those methods as much if you get your mind in a better place.'

I firmly believe that any person can benefit from regular decompressing exercises and techniques.  I think that if everyone practiced these things daily, then we as a society would be healthier both mentally and physically.  To think that one does not need to do this, once one has reached a certain point in their recovery could be a slippery slope.

Even if our minds don't register it on a conscious level, stress can and will creep up on us.  Absolutely, positive thinking is a must-you are spot on there, but to continue other methods of recovery, be it coping mechanisms, therapy, medication, what have you, is up to the individual and different for everyone.

There are many paths to wellness, is what I want everyone to understand:)

Thanks again, I am feeling better,

S.C.

Posted 8/22/2011 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
point well taken SC....I suppose I forget sometime how bad it can get. I know I certainly had major anxiety and panic at one time and the farther I move away from it, I think the more the traumatic thoughts fade. It's that natural progression of changing thoughts and behavior. I do know this...not sure if it's the same for most who have made a lot of progress...but for me....over time I did so much deep diaphragm breathing...slow paced breathing and relaxation techniques that now I am like on auto pilot if that makes sense....my subconscious knows if I'm up tight to do slow deep diaphragm breathing and muscle relaxing techniques.

I'm always concerned that I might give bad advice....I'm not a professional by no means....just a guy that made big improvements trying to give back. Thanks for giving me a different perspective!
Take care....WM
Posted 8/22/2011 10:48 PM (GMT 0)
SC,

Hey chicky,  your normal and you have a few phobias.  Well Mama Kitt is here to remind you that you are in good company. You are also one of the most "put together" people I know.   Many people with a phobia of vomiting are often too ashamed to talk about their problem or feel very misunderstood.  I am glad you posted your fear here .  I will freely admitted that I threw out more then one set of the kids bed sheets before I could make it to the wash machine - my feet carried me on my own to the outside garbage container. 

It is almost always possible to confront a feared situation. How you react to that confrontation, however, depends on many factors. A severe, deep-rooted and long-lasting phobia is much more difficult to confront than a mild one that has recently developed.

Picturing positive outcomes can significantly reduce apprehension along with using your bag of tricks in your possession to fight your anxiety I think you have the tools you need. 

I agree with you , practicing daily the techniques that help us keep our anxiety in control is a wise and wonderful thing.  I set a goal and work everyday to achieve it. This action helps me  direct my  thoughts and feelings away from worries and anxieties, and  toward something more positive and constructive.

Ah yes, I do get sent back for remedial training from time to time. 

"Well, first of all, let me say that I might have made a tactical error in not going to a physician for 20 years. It was one of those phobias that really didn't pay off." ~ Warren Zevon

 

Hugs and lotsa love my friend.

Kitt



Posted 8/22/2011 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Wm, No problem. :-)
Posted 8/22/2011 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kitt, as usual you know just the right things to say, and you completely 'get it':)

I did have to crack up at the thought of throwing away the sheets (oh sheet!) I was tempted to throw out some severly comprimised clothing, but opted for my best friends, rubber gloves, hot water and bleach;p

I know that I can count on all of you guys when life throws it's scary moments my way. I do have my positive coping techniques in my arsenal, but there is nothing like good friends to lean on when things get rough.

I appreciate all of the replies, and plan on staying well!:)
Posted 8/23/2011 7:38 AM (GMT 0)
Hi S.C

You said

"I firmly believe that any person can benefit from regular decompressing exercises and techniques. I think that if everyone practiced these things daily, then we as a society would be healthier both mentally and physically. To think that one does not need to do this, once one has reached a certain point in their recovery could be a slippery slope.

Even if our minds don't register it on a conscious level, stress can and will creep up on us. Absolutely, positive thinking is a must-you are spot on there, but to continue other methods of recovery, be it coping mechanisms, therapy, medication, what have you, is up to the individual and different for everyone.

There are many paths to wellness, is what I want everyone to understand:)"


This really makes sense to me and well put. When dealing with any kind of mental health problem or disorder you do have to help yourself to get better and practice techniques on a daily basis to keep things in control. I have made the mistake a couple of times of reaching a point were I feel better and stopping all the things I have learnt through therapy etc etc and have found myself heading backwards again. You are right there a lots of different things which can help an individual to get better and it is different for every one as somethings will work well for one person but not for an other.

I have found for myself that a combination of meds, therapy, exercise, good relationship with doctor and pdoc, and a good support network helps me. Stress can totally creep up on you and cause all sorts of problems with your health so it is important to be able to recognise the symptoms so you can do something about dealing with whatever the stressor is.

Kitt is right when she said phobias which are long standing can be hard to confront so well done again with dealing with your situation. Have you ever tried hypnosis? I had a friend who had a phobia and said hypnosis helped her to over come the phobia.

Ben
Posted 8/23/2011 8:19 AM (GMT 0)
Hey SC, sorry your little ones been sick I hope she's feeling better now...I didn't understand what D and V's meant...we call it the poos and spews over here....sorry...I hope you haven't got sick yourself, as you know I have health anxiety and I hate feeling nauseous or vomiting....and I know what you mean about tuning in on every noise our body makes it's terrible when the anxiety amps up...just relax, breathe and you will be ok you are one of the strongest people I've ever spoken too and I'm sure you will be ok.....best wishes to you shannon
Posted 8/23/2011 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning SC,

I wish you a sunny and upbeat Tuesday.  In fact send me some sun as it is rainy here.

We are all here to support you so feel the many warm hugs coming your way. 

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 8/23/2011 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Awe SC, com're hun, ((((HOLDS ARMS open WIDE)))))

*Grabs Breavehearted one, and holds tightly* It's all over now SC, you did a fantastic job seeing your daughter is cared for properly, you did a fantastic job putting her first, you did an amazing job getting through that awful time, but, that was then, this is now, and you don't have to deal with that anymore, it is over.

Your wee kiddie is so lucky to have you
Posted 8/23/2011 10:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Hibee, Shanny, Kitt and Awty...you guys are the best! Well, my daughter made it to school today and is doing great...and so far so good with me;)

I appreciate all of the support from everybody so much and hope
that everyone is having an awesome day!

S.C.
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