I feel stupid.

My biggest fear is getting sick with a stomach bug. Its so intense that if I start to feel any discomfort in my stomach I fall into uncontrollable panic. The only thing that helps slightly is to go outside and breathe, but the feelings always come back minutes later. This is my one fear that causes me to completly lose control. I don't know what to do.
The thing that makes me lose it the most is feeling like I'm going to have diarrhea. The cramping is so painful and I can't take it! It makes me throw up everytime and I get weak and dizzy. I don't know if I feel like that because of the panic, or because of the diarrhea :/ either way I don't think its normal.

I feel like a freak for being so afraid of something thats so normal and common. I'm embarrassed to tell anyone else about this because the people I have told just make fun of me because they don't understand. I can't live with this fear anymore.. Its destroying me.

Hello, I haven't heard of anything like this before! But I have read lots of posts about people who think obsessively and panic over other health related concerns, such as thinking obsessively that there is something wrong with their heart, that there is something wrong with their head, having mini strokes etc etc and so I guess this is exactly the same - just that you are worrying about a different ailment. Another thing that your particular concern has in common with other people on here is that the panic and the worry you suffer can bring on symptoms directly related to the part of the body you are worrying about (digestive system) and that nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain etc. These are all symptoms of anxiety! It is a vicious cycle: you worry about it, worrying makes it happen, you worry about it happening again!! your fear of this is what is causing you so much trouble. Like CK said, dont feel stupid about it. Someone posted recently and stated that 'in order to get over your fear, you need to accept it, and embrace it'. Is this thing you are so terrified of really that scary? If you had diarrhoea would it really be the end of the world stuff? Would you die, would your life never be the same again? No? Try to think this way, stop fearing it so much. If it happens, so what, you get on with it, right!

''I don't know if I feel like that because of the panic, or because of the diarrhea.''
Remember & Understand that you feel the way you do because of the way you think (your anxiety), NOT the other way around.
You have control over your thoughts and it is possible for you to turn this around and to not 'completely lose control' again.
I am sure you have heard all this before but I hope you find a way to get over your irrational fear and control your irrational thinking!! Good luck & let us know if you have any success!

sjennings:

I think I may have actually posted about this with you before (??), but in any case, I am exactly the same way concerning the fear of getting the stomach virus. In fact, it practically consumes every minute of my thoughts each day. The anxiety over it is ridiculous, and I have just started taking Lexapro to try to help with the obsessive thoughts.

If I hear of anyone who is sick, then I cannot function the rest of the day. I totally become panic stricken. I've pretty much been like this for the last 12 years....terrible way to live and getting worse. In therapy now, but no relief yet.

Do you know why you have such a fear? I am 100% sure of my trigger (long story), but it doesn't make getting over the fear any easier.

I feel helpless to be quite honest.

Hi SJ
You're not alone! I have them same fears. It has ruled my life for years.for me it's two fold fear of getting sick and not making to the bathroom in time. I'm ok now as in I can actually go out, work etc. but the fears still there. I still carry a packet of anti diarrhea meds in my bag at all time. If I go away anywhere I pack a roll of toilet paper in my bags. My latest addition is a toilet finder app for my phone, all just to be on the safe side. When I tell people about my anxiety I don't usually tell them that part because I don't want to seem stupid. I told my drs but that's all. I think one of the hardest parts is the fact you have to poop so you have to face that feeling regularly (no pun intended).
take care :)