sobs
06-06-2005, 07:36 AM
Can anyone tell me if phobias are part of OCD, or are they under another topic/illness???? If there is another board for Phobias, I couldn't find it. I've seen shows on OCD, where many phobias are mentioned.
1. My main phobia right now is claustrophobia.
Then these, not necessarily in any order........
2. germs anything that has been touched by someone else, like mail, food, remote control.......have to wash my clothes at least twice, sometimes more, doctor's waiting rooms, crowds, grocery stores, Wal-mart like stores...too many people, too many germs, bowling shoes - egad, thankfully I don't/can't bowl anymore
3. arachnaphobia fear of spiders. Has gotten better since I got mad at them for intruding into my life and paralyzing me.
4. bridges - gephyrophobia.........crossing them
5. vomiting - emetophobia.......deathly afraid of vomiting, can't breathe when I do.
6. being buried alive - taphephobia.....somehow I think this is pretty normal, and also has a lot to do with my claustrophobia.
7. heat or getting hot - thermophobia.......room temp always needs to be at least 65.......60 or less would be nice.
8. contamination - mysophobia......I think this is probably like germaphobia in a way, except you get the "transfer" contamination thing going on. Like if you pick up something dirty, then touch something else....
9. filth - rupophobia.......mostly unclean house
10. smothering - pnigerophobia...........afraid that I can't breathe
11. being touched - haphephobia...........this one goes back to germs, contamination. BUT, I am not afraid to be touched by animals!!! I also do not like to touch other people.
12. flying - don't know the medical term for this - it is mostly about claustrophia, not being able to breathe, and of course 9/11
13. foreigners - xenophobia..........mostly only Arabs/muslims...VERY long story that began for me before 9/11
I think that's it for now. Lucky 13. I'm sure another one will pop up before long. Don't they always????? :nono:
1. My main phobia right now is claustrophobia.
Then these, not necessarily in any order........
2. germs anything that has been touched by someone else, like mail, food, remote control.......have to wash my clothes at least twice, sometimes more, doctor's waiting rooms, crowds, grocery stores, Wal-mart like stores...too many people, too many germs, bowling shoes - egad, thankfully I don't/can't bowl anymore
3. arachnaphobia fear of spiders. Has gotten better since I got mad at them for intruding into my life and paralyzing me.
4. bridges - gephyrophobia.........crossing them
5. vomiting - emetophobia.......deathly afraid of vomiting, can't breathe when I do.
6. being buried alive - taphephobia.....somehow I think this is pretty normal, and also has a lot to do with my claustrophobia.
7. heat or getting hot - thermophobia.......room temp always needs to be at least 65.......60 or less would be nice.
8. contamination - mysophobia......I think this is probably like germaphobia in a way, except you get the "transfer" contamination thing going on. Like if you pick up something dirty, then touch something else....
9. filth - rupophobia.......mostly unclean house
10. smothering - pnigerophobia...........afraid that I can't breathe
11. being touched - haphephobia...........this one goes back to germs, contamination. BUT, I am not afraid to be touched by animals!!! I also do not like to touch other people.
12. flying - don't know the medical term for this - it is mostly about claustrophia, not being able to breathe, and of course 9/11
13. foreigners - xenophobia..........mostly only Arabs/muslims...VERY long story that began for me before 9/11
I think that's it for now. Lucky 13. I'm sure another one will pop up before long. Don't they always????? :nono:
Sponsor
vonee
06-06-2005, 08:16 AM
mine is dirt. I can't stand dirt, like a dirty house, dirty clothes...ect......bacteria
vonee
06-06-2005, 08:18 AM
I watched the "Aviator" the other night. Very interesting story about Howard Hughes and his phobias. Have you seen the movie?
yfguitarist
06-06-2005, 01:31 PM
emetophobia is mine!
StephK282
06-07-2005, 09:11 PM
I definately have a fear of crossing bridges, tight spaces, not being able to breathe (HUGE ONE), and I don't like ANYONE to touch me.
In addition to those, I have a fear or heights, sharks, falling down the stairs, having crap on the back of my pants or stuff around my mouth and not knowing about it, ghosts...and other stuff.
Yeah, I know most of that stuff is pretty common, but my mind takes them to the absolute extreme
In addition to those, I have a fear or heights, sharks, falling down the stairs, having crap on the back of my pants or stuff around my mouth and not knowing about it, ghosts...and other stuff.
Yeah, I know most of that stuff is pretty common, but my mind takes them to the absolute extreme
dwightbean
06-12-2005, 10:51 PM
i used to be afraid of a lot of things.
there's nothing like a good year of depression to make me just not care anymore. heh.
i used to be incredibly scared of flying. at one point, however, -- despite still believing the plane would crash-- i just didn't care if i died or not.
at this point, i just don't think about it much anymore. it feels good.
there's nothing like a good year of depression to make me just not care anymore. heh.
i used to be incredibly scared of flying. at one point, however, -- despite still believing the plane would crash-- i just didn't care if i died or not.
at this point, i just don't think about it much anymore. it feels good.
bbybyrd
06-15-2005, 01:11 PM
I have a lot of phobias too. I'm claustrophobic, afraid of flying, clowns (childhood trauma), bridges, toilets, I don't like being touched, afraid of spiders (actually I'm afraid of anything that crawls..lol). :nono:
LDR
06-16-2005, 01:12 PM
I am new to therapy, and I am desperate to find a way to get over this. I am Nyctophobic- scared of the dark. I am not really scared of someone breaking into the house. I am scared of what is in the dark. Images from tv or movies stay in my mind and haunt me. I can try to think happy thoughts at night, but those thoughts usually turn into somethig greusome. I feel so vulnerable. I sleep with the closet light on, and I am married. My husband understands, but I feel like a freak. Sometimes I have panc attacks, sometimes I just cry. I am trying to write in a journal and use relaxation exersizes, so that when I do feal this way I can try to get my brain to a happy place. I am scared and hopeless. I pray and pray and I just feel like I am alone. :confused:
MSELL
06-19-2005, 01:08 PM
I must shed some light on the fear of public speaking, though I can't remember the technical term for it. I'm scared to the point that I probably need professional help.
ggiggi
06-20-2005, 07:43 AM
I have several - agoraphobia and a fear of germs and contamination. (Like you, my pets (cats) are exempt from this phobia)
The irony of this is that due to my illness, we lost our CLEAN and modern home and my husband and I had to move in with his grandfather, who lives in the most filthy disgusting and cluttered house you can imagine. I'm supposed to be greatful to have a roof over my head, but I'm too disgusted to be grateful.
When we first came here, I didn't eat for two entire months until I could borrow the money to have someone come in and clean the kitchen.
The bathroom was so disgusting that I gagged every single time I entered it. I would have to work myself up to be able use it and inevitably had a panic attack several times a day. I finally had the grimy rubber toilet seat (don't ask) replaced and that helped a little, but the tub is so grimy it needs to be totally replaced and the water that comes out of the faucets is filthy - not just rusty, but dirty as well.
Every time I take a bath, I have to take a Xanax first.
This grandfather has over half a mil in the bank, but hasn't done a home repair in 20 years or so. The most he'll do is duck tape something if it stops working. He gives new meaning to the word "cheap" and is mystified as to why I don't like his house. He brags about being a millionaire but lives like a bum!
I guess there is a theory that the universe put me in this disgusting position so that I could learn to deal with the germ phobia, but instead of helping, it's just made it worse. I live in constant panic and have not had one comfortable moment in the year I've lived here.
Because of my contamination issues (and chronic pain) I can't clean the place, which I'm sure makes me seem even more bizarre. Just touching anything grosses me out.
I spend several hours a day washing my hands and checking the stove and heater and stuff for fires; locks for break-ins (always convinced I'll be the victim of a horrendous murder).
Thanks for letting me vent - good topic.
gigi
The irony of this is that due to my illness, we lost our CLEAN and modern home and my husband and I had to move in with his grandfather, who lives in the most filthy disgusting and cluttered house you can imagine. I'm supposed to be greatful to have a roof over my head, but I'm too disgusted to be grateful.
When we first came here, I didn't eat for two entire months until I could borrow the money to have someone come in and clean the kitchen.
The bathroom was so disgusting that I gagged every single time I entered it. I would have to work myself up to be able use it and inevitably had a panic attack several times a day. I finally had the grimy rubber toilet seat (don't ask) replaced and that helped a little, but the tub is so grimy it needs to be totally replaced and the water that comes out of the faucets is filthy - not just rusty, but dirty as well.
Every time I take a bath, I have to take a Xanax first.
This grandfather has over half a mil in the bank, but hasn't done a home repair in 20 years or so. The most he'll do is duck tape something if it stops working. He gives new meaning to the word "cheap" and is mystified as to why I don't like his house. He brags about being a millionaire but lives like a bum!
I guess there is a theory that the universe put me in this disgusting position so that I could learn to deal with the germ phobia, but instead of helping, it's just made it worse. I live in constant panic and have not had one comfortable moment in the year I've lived here.
Because of my contamination issues (and chronic pain) I can't clean the place, which I'm sure makes me seem even more bizarre. Just touching anything grosses me out.
I spend several hours a day washing my hands and checking the stove and heater and stuff for fires; locks for break-ins (always convinced I'll be the victim of a horrendous murder).
Thanks for letting me vent - good topic.
gigi
zak7
06-21-2005, 04:49 AM
Sound like you have OCD and other phobias. Unfortunately, once you have one disorder, you usually have another. I would probably guess, too, that you suffer from major depression as well, and even possibly an anxiety disorder such as social anxiety disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
I have OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Major Depression.
I have OCD, Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Major Depression.
GatsbyLuvr1920
06-28-2005, 04:51 PM
My one biggest phobia is somewhat related to OCD, although I didn't realize this until recently. I'm positively terrified of the dentist, despite having the sweetest, kindest dentist ever. The mere thought of the dentist evokes fear in me, and it's so bad, that I can't watch a TV program where the character goes to the dentist or even look at a picture of a tooth in an anatomy book. I have never had a cavity (simply saying it makes me worry that my fear will come true), and every time I feel some pain in my mouth, I press down on my molars to make sure that they aren't the cause of the pain and that I don't have a cavity. The checking is truly a manifestation of OCD- obsession: "Do I have a cavity?" compulsion: check teeth to reassure self. I will literally do this all day until I find the source of the pain (such as an ulcer or an upcoming cold), but most likely, I will continue pushing down on my teeth until the pain stops in a few days. Believe it or not, I did this all last night because my one ear was partially closed up and I had an ulcer at the back of my mouth. If this isn't a solid example of where a phobia is fueled by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I don't know what is! ;) Oh, I almost forgot! I have triskadekaphobia- the fear of the number 13 and Friday the 13th! This also relates to my OCD- I hate having 13 of something or having an exam marked number 13 because I'm afraid something bad will happen. This relates back to superstitious and magical thinking of OCD.
-GatsbyLuvr1920-
-GatsbyLuvr1920-
NMOR1234
07-06-2005, 01:50 PM
Does anybody have this obsession and compulsion? My hair has to be exactly even on both sides. If I think it isn't, I keep thinking about it and also trim constantly to make it even. This may not sound like much, but I can spend hours doing this and make my self physically ill.
AngelOfLight82
07-06-2005, 08:32 PM
I am defenetly claustrophobic.
Is there a phobia about your health??? I know I am a hypochondriac to some degree.
Oh, and I HATE cockroaches! Had a very bad experience with a cockroach crawling in my ear. :mad: Is there a phobia for that???
Is there a phobia about your health??? I know I am a hypochondriac to some degree.
Oh, and I HATE cockroaches! Had a very bad experience with a cockroach crawling in my ear. :mad: Is there a phobia for that???
littlemiss1976
07-08-2005, 01:42 AM
I am new to therapy, and I am desperate to find a way to get over this. I am Nyctophobic- scared of the dark. I am not really scared of someone breaking into the house. I am scared of what is in the dark. Images from tv or movies stay in my mind and haunt me. I can try to think happy thoughts at night, but those thoughts usually turn into somethig greusome. I feel so vulnerable. I sleep with the closet light on, and I am married. My husband understands, but I feel like a freak. Sometimes I have panc attacks, sometimes I just cry. I am trying to write in a journal and use relaxation exersizes, so that when I do feal this way I can try to get my brain to a happy place. I am scared and hopeless. I pray and pray and I just feel like I am alone. :confused:
OMG I can relate to you I have the same thing. what you have discribed above is me to a tee.I have to sleep with the tv on for light and some noise but not to loud so if someone does try to break in I can hear them.I check my doors and windows many times a night.mine came from childhood trama.The movie thing I can't watch movies that are blood and gore cause I have nightmares and i feel like they are after me.I have a bf for 2 1/2 years and he is verry understanding and supportive of me but I feel that cause of these fears I won't let him get that close to me.I would like to talk to you more about this. now I don't feel alone or that it is me just going crazy.
OMG I can relate to you I have the same thing. what you have discribed above is me to a tee.I have to sleep with the tv on for light and some noise but not to loud so if someone does try to break in I can hear them.I check my doors and windows many times a night.mine came from childhood trama.The movie thing I can't watch movies that are blood and gore cause I have nightmares and i feel like they are after me.I have a bf for 2 1/2 years and he is verry understanding and supportive of me but I feel that cause of these fears I won't let him get that close to me.I would like to talk to you more about this. now I don't feel alone or that it is me just going crazy.
4Peace
07-08-2005, 02:42 PM
I am currently going through a phase of "bad nights." It comes and it goes, with me. While I am lying there ready to go to sleep, all of the sudden some horrible thought will come into my mind. It could be someone breaking into the house, one of my kids getting hurt, or a bomb hitting the town we live in--whatever it is, my mind can't let it go, and I think the scenerio through to every possible end it could have. It's awful, and it's impossible for me to let it go without "doing" something. Sometimes it means getting up to check on the kids, the doors, windows, etc. Sometimes I wake up my husband because I am so scared, and usually end up getting mad at him because he doesn't react with the urgency I feel, and I think we would all be dead by the time he got his slippers on, etc. Funny thing is, getting mad at my husband seems to ease the anxiety somewhat, I don't know why. I am also unable to watch anything in a movie or on TV that shows people being hurt or killed--it is so disturbing to me that I want to cry, and I know it's not real, but it doesn't matter. I have noticed that my "obsessive nights" tend to be provoked by recent events in the news, such as that little girl being found in Idaho--I think about something happening to us like it did to that family, and I get so scared. Mostly I am freaked out to even know that things like that actually do happen to people--that means it could happen to me.
mjewell
07-08-2005, 04:18 PM
I am also emetophobic, fear of vominting. In fact, I believe that is the cause of my anxiety and panic disorders. God it makes me mad that one silly little phobia can wreak so much havoc in my life!! If I feel the slightest bit nauseous, or full after a meal or anything like that I start panicking. ESPECIALLY if I am out somewhere in public.
yfguitarist
07-15-2005, 08:47 PM
I am also emetophobic, fear of vominting. In fact, I believe that is the cause of my anxiety and panic disorders. God it makes me mad that one silly little phobia can wreak so much havoc in my life!! If I feel the slightest bit nauseous, or full after a meal or anything like that I start panicking. ESPECIALLY if I am out somewhere in public.
Wow, you're just like me! I thought I was the only one.
Wow, you're just like me! I thought I was the only one.
Starchild6442
07-31-2005, 03:47 PM
I am positively, terrified of clowns, and even elevators, because I'm afraid that if I get on one, the cable will snap, or something, and it will fall, killing me.The only one I can ever go on is one where I live that is glass, where I can see :eek: everything and every one, even the inner workings of the elevator,(It's hydraulic, I'll never go on a cable one.) Even then, I get anxious and start shaking horribly to where I can't stop, not even until 5 minutes after I get off, and I constantly watch, to see if any thing goes wrong.:eek: If I think that something is wrong, I'll start freaking out:dizzy:, and almost have a panic attack. My family doesn't understand, and they try to make me get over it, but it doesn't work.I take the steps everywhere, even when my family takes the elevator.This stems from a childhood event, but I just can't get over it. My fear of clowns, well, I don't now where it comes from. I did see the movie "It" but that's not why I'm afraid, though many people think so."It" just made it worse. Any way, I'm horrified to even be near a picture.:eek: My family makes fun of me for it, and even teases me with dolls and pictures, but I can't stand it.I'm afraid that they'll eat me or something.If I go to the circus,I'll stay away, and once I said, "If I don't make eye contact, maybe it won't attack!":) Is there a scientific name for these phobias?
sobs
07-31-2005, 09:55 PM
Hi all,
Thanks for the input to my question. Misery does love company........as long as they don't touch us!!! :D
I had never thought of the cable breaking on an elevator. It is just the claustrophobia that gets me in the elevator. I used to really get freaked at night, when Fed Ex would fly over. We are right in their flying lane, and most of the times, it sounded like they were gonna land on the roof. So, I would pull the cover over my head. Gee, doesn't that make sense. REAL protection with that cover!!!
You know.........it is really horrible when your family and friends abuse you because of your phobia(s). A long time ago, in therapy, I would not tell the psychiatrist of my fear of spiders, because I was terrified that he would try that desensatizing (sp?) method.........where you go in the room, and they make you be near or handle what you are afraid of, or get on an elevator....whatever. It is really unfortunate that loved ones think they are just teasing us, or "playing" with us. When I lived in an apartment, my neighbors called the police, because they heard a blood curdling scream from me. The police got there, and when I answered the door, I had to tell them that I screamed cause of a spider. They laughed, asked who was winning the fight, and killed the thing for me. I was 37 years old!!!!!!!!! Sorry, no more spider stories...........although I have tons.
I do know that anger has helped me with that fear. I also suffer from an illness, and am in pain most of the time, and exhausted. I used to have to give myself shots. I was a paramedic, so it didn't bother me too much, but it was a big dang needle. It would usually take me a couple of minutes to get up the nerve. Then one day when I was really sick, I tried to get someone to go get my medicine at the pharmacy. No one would. I got really angry, and had to get it myself. When I got home, I was still so angry that I just jabbed the needle in. Then right in front of me was a - oops, I said no more of those stories.....anyway, it was crawling across the floor. I was still so angry that I just walked over and stomped the umphh out of it.
So now......I really realize that anger really helps with that phobia. Everytime I see one, I get so angry, cause I do not feel like dealing with it, so I murder it, for bothering me. Yes, there is still some fear there, but the fear just wears me out so much, that I go on the attack. I don't know if that will help anyone or not.
It has not helped me with anything except those two........shots and "you know whats". I know you all understand, and I feel so bad for all of you. My "you know what" phobia was so bad, that I couldn't even read a sentence with the word in it. When I would see one on TV, everyone in the house thought I had been attacked. When I was younger, my dad would hear "that" scream and come to my rescue.
Some of you might try the anger thing. It hasn't helped at all with claustrophobia, or hand washing............although God knows I've tried. If I try to say......the heck with it, I don't feel like washing my hands......then I sit on the sofa, and keep thinking...."I gotta wash my hands, I gotta wash my hands"..............it just isn't worth the worry, so I go wash my hands.
To the lady who posted regarding living with your husband's rich, miserly father..........sorry, don't remember your name......I assume you have no one else you could stay with....even if it meant a temporary separation from your husband, and for your sanity????????
I'm outta here. Taken too much of your time. Would love to hear from more of you.
Thanks for the input to my question. Misery does love company........as long as they don't touch us!!! :D
I had never thought of the cable breaking on an elevator. It is just the claustrophobia that gets me in the elevator. I used to really get freaked at night, when Fed Ex would fly over. We are right in their flying lane, and most of the times, it sounded like they were gonna land on the roof. So, I would pull the cover over my head. Gee, doesn't that make sense. REAL protection with that cover!!!
You know.........it is really horrible when your family and friends abuse you because of your phobia(s). A long time ago, in therapy, I would not tell the psychiatrist of my fear of spiders, because I was terrified that he would try that desensatizing (sp?) method.........where you go in the room, and they make you be near or handle what you are afraid of, or get on an elevator....whatever. It is really unfortunate that loved ones think they are just teasing us, or "playing" with us. When I lived in an apartment, my neighbors called the police, because they heard a blood curdling scream from me. The police got there, and when I answered the door, I had to tell them that I screamed cause of a spider. They laughed, asked who was winning the fight, and killed the thing for me. I was 37 years old!!!!!!!!! Sorry, no more spider stories...........although I have tons.
I do know that anger has helped me with that fear. I also suffer from an illness, and am in pain most of the time, and exhausted. I used to have to give myself shots. I was a paramedic, so it didn't bother me too much, but it was a big dang needle. It would usually take me a couple of minutes to get up the nerve. Then one day when I was really sick, I tried to get someone to go get my medicine at the pharmacy. No one would. I got really angry, and had to get it myself. When I got home, I was still so angry that I just jabbed the needle in. Then right in front of me was a - oops, I said no more of those stories.....anyway, it was crawling across the floor. I was still so angry that I just walked over and stomped the umphh out of it.
So now......I really realize that anger really helps with that phobia. Everytime I see one, I get so angry, cause I do not feel like dealing with it, so I murder it, for bothering me. Yes, there is still some fear there, but the fear just wears me out so much, that I go on the attack. I don't know if that will help anyone or not.
It has not helped me with anything except those two........shots and "you know whats". I know you all understand, and I feel so bad for all of you. My "you know what" phobia was so bad, that I couldn't even read a sentence with the word in it. When I would see one on TV, everyone in the house thought I had been attacked. When I was younger, my dad would hear "that" scream and come to my rescue.
Some of you might try the anger thing. It hasn't helped at all with claustrophobia, or hand washing............although God knows I've tried. If I try to say......the heck with it, I don't feel like washing my hands......then I sit on the sofa, and keep thinking...."I gotta wash my hands, I gotta wash my hands"..............it just isn't worth the worry, so I go wash my hands.
To the lady who posted regarding living with your husband's rich, miserly father..........sorry, don't remember your name......I assume you have no one else you could stay with....even if it meant a temporary separation from your husband, and for your sanity????????
I'm outta here. Taken too much of your time. Would love to hear from more of you.
TakeThatOCD
08-03-2005, 09:51 PM
I had to research mine on the phobia list but they were there. One is satanaphobia which is the fear of the devil and the other is demonaphobia which is the fear of demons. Never had these fears before the onslaught of OCD. Anyway, those are my phobias.
smokeys girl
08-04-2005, 12:35 PM
I dont know the correct names for mine but i scared of sticky lables or anything sticky, envelopes, being touched, dogs, spiders, harricot beans and clothing with words written on the back.
sobs
08-05-2005, 04:51 AM
Hi Smokeys Girl,
Are you in the Smoky Mountains????? Just curious. Am looking forward to moving there.
I know that phobias are usually not able to be explained, but I am curious as to your "sticky" phobias. What, if you know, makes you freak about envelopes? Is it your envelopes, or is it envelopes that you receive in the mail?
Touching, or being touched, seems to run rampant amongst us. And, many of us have that 8 legged freaky crawler phobia to the max.
Hope to hear from ya soon.
sobs
Are you in the Smoky Mountains????? Just curious. Am looking forward to moving there.
I know that phobias are usually not able to be explained, but I am curious as to your "sticky" phobias. What, if you know, makes you freak about envelopes? Is it your envelopes, or is it envelopes that you receive in the mail?
Touching, or being touched, seems to run rampant amongst us. And, many of us have that 8 legged freaky crawler phobia to the max.
Hope to hear from ya soon.
sobs
smokeys girl
08-05-2005, 05:29 AM
Hi Sobs, sorry im not from the mountains, im from the uk and im smokeys girl after my 21 year old cat who died a few years ago, we grew up together, bless. I just cant stand to touch anything sticky, and that includes envelopes, the ones i recieve are not too bad as they are not sticky anymore, but id still prefer someone else to open my mail.
I think theres a fear of not knowing whats inside the envelope too, lke a fear of recieving bad news, my sister has been having panic attacks after answering the telephone, even if the call was ok she still becomes anxious and cries with relief, shes just releived everything was ok.
I get my work collegues to put stamps or lables on my mail, you used to have to lick stamps and that was ok, but now they are just sticky backed and i cant touch them, if i do it makes my fingers ache and i feel panicky and sick and have to wask my hands or scratch my fingers to make them ok again.
In therapy we traced the sticky thing back to childhood, i used to have a recurring dream that one of the guys from sesame street had painted a number on my back and i couldnt see it, i never dealt with my anxiety over this dream i was only 5 or 6, i never told my parents of friends or discussed it at all, and because of this i am terrified a sticker will get stuck to my back.
Writing about it is getting me choked, but ive been told i need to stop avoiding things.
Ive also link it with my fear of dentists as a child, everytime i was forced to go, kicking and screaming, and after the ordeal was over i was given a big sticker saying well done! This may have become part of the fear but i am no longer afraid of dentists.
It is funny how a lot of us dont like to be touched, this is a recent one for me, its got really bad now, i avoid getting touched at all costs, but if it happens e.g someone brushes past my left arm, i have to brush my right arm against something.
chat soon
Lis xxx
I think theres a fear of not knowing whats inside the envelope too, lke a fear of recieving bad news, my sister has been having panic attacks after answering the telephone, even if the call was ok she still becomes anxious and cries with relief, shes just releived everything was ok.
I get my work collegues to put stamps or lables on my mail, you used to have to lick stamps and that was ok, but now they are just sticky backed and i cant touch them, if i do it makes my fingers ache and i feel panicky and sick and have to wask my hands or scratch my fingers to make them ok again.
In therapy we traced the sticky thing back to childhood, i used to have a recurring dream that one of the guys from sesame street had painted a number on my back and i couldnt see it, i never dealt with my anxiety over this dream i was only 5 or 6, i never told my parents of friends or discussed it at all, and because of this i am terrified a sticker will get stuck to my back.
Writing about it is getting me choked, but ive been told i need to stop avoiding things.
Ive also link it with my fear of dentists as a child, everytime i was forced to go, kicking and screaming, and after the ordeal was over i was given a big sticker saying well done! This may have become part of the fear but i am no longer afraid of dentists.
It is funny how a lot of us dont like to be touched, this is a recent one for me, its got really bad now, i avoid getting touched at all costs, but if it happens e.g someone brushes past my left arm, i have to brush my right arm against something.
chat soon
Lis xxx
Johands333
07-12-2007, 10:28 PM
gephyrophobia - fear of crossing bridges. But not because they are manmade or anything. It's the height. I don't like escalators, glass windowed elevators or anything high, such as a balcony on a building. I feel an imbalance when I am up high. I can almost feel myself swaying back and forth as I am going up.
vicky88
07-12-2007, 11:08 PM
Hi I have a terrible phobia and it's thanatophobia which is the intense fear of dying which started 17 months ago! Because of this phobia, when I see old people now, in their 80s and 90s, it bothers me because I think to myself "are they arfraid of dying?" I didn't use to think this way or feel this way about old people before and it's really driving me nuts. Of course, you'll see old people everywhere! These are my ocd and I'm taking meds because of this since I also have depression due to my ocd but it's pure obsession, no compulsions. I hope there's someone out there that can help me get over my phobia of dying and about the old people. Do you think that old people are scared of dying since they are closer to it already? I would appreciate any help. I miss my old self and how happy I used to be....:(
kotitka
07-13-2007, 12:04 PM
I have developed a phobia of funerals. A very disturbing event happened at a funeral I attended a year ago. It triggered my OCD immensely. Now I can't bring myself to see a relative of mine who is terminally ill. I don't know how to deal with it. I get bothered when I drive by cemetaries.
vicky88
07-13-2007, 07:11 PM
I have developed a phobia of funerals. A very disturbing event happened at a funeral I attended a year ago. It triggered my OCD immensely. Now I can't bring myself to see a relative of mine who is terminally ill. I don't know how to deal with it. I get bothered when I drive by cemetaries.
Hi Kotitka, so you just developed your phobia of funerals a year ago and you've never had this phobia before? Are you seeing a therapist and are you taking medications?
Hi Kotitka, so you just developed your phobia of funerals a year ago and you've never had this phobia before? Are you seeing a therapist and are you taking medications?
seaturtle
07-14-2007, 12:03 AM
Sobs -
Hi, I know what you mean about the anger. I learned a while ago that anger uses the same chemicals that anxiety, well, panic, does, and that you can't have both at once.
So when I have a panic attack, I try to either get silly or furious. Works some of the time.
Hi, I know what you mean about the anger. I learned a while ago that anger uses the same chemicals that anxiety, well, panic, does, and that you can't have both at once.
So when I have a panic attack, I try to either get silly or furious. Works some of the time.
Henrysmum
07-15-2007, 01:01 PM
My phobia i s birds, I'm quite suprised there is no one else on here with it, as i believe it is quite common. The bigger they are the worst it is pigeons are a nightmare to me and I will walk miles to avoid walking past one. On a couple of occasions small birds have got into the house and I went hysterical. I constantly fear one flying in the bedroom at night when the window is open. It;s the fluttering that I cant stand and the fear thay are going to land on me.
Can anyone else relate to this/
Anyone had any treatment?
Can anyone else relate to this/
Anyone had any treatment?
hayley0610
07-15-2007, 05:50 PM
my #1 thing is vomiting that is an ocd thing with me my other phobias are just that things im scared of...bees,wasps,dentists and being out of control.
kotitka
07-16-2007, 11:26 AM
Vicky,
no, I don't. I have no insurance and can't really afford a therapist. And no, I don't take medications, this phobia, although strong, is not the most of my worries. I try to take vitamins and Omega-3 to help OCD, and it does, try not to stress and try different approaches, same as a therapist would do. I get better verrrrry slowly.
And yes, only less than a year ago, after that funeral.
no, I don't. I have no insurance and can't really afford a therapist. And no, I don't take medications, this phobia, although strong, is not the most of my worries. I try to take vitamins and Omega-3 to help OCD, and it does, try not to stress and try different approaches, same as a therapist would do. I get better verrrrry slowly.
And yes, only less than a year ago, after that funeral.
OCDHATER
07-18-2007, 11:03 PM
I am also terrified of the dark. Same deal with the TV too. I have to have it low so I can hear of someone breaks in...
sobs
07-20-2007, 05:45 AM
Hi Vicky!:wave:
I'm not sure I can help, but I will try a bit...
Having seen my mom linger for a long time with a terrible illness before she died, I can assure you that she was not afraid of dying. It was a welcome relief for her. Also, she was not "afraid" because of her spiritual beliefs.
I have watched my dad go from one of the most able-bodied active men in the world to a slow aged man. It is so sad for me. He has lost most of his friends and family to death. After an episode in the hospital for him, I asked him if he was afraid of dying. He thought for a moment, and told me that he was not afraid of dying, but he worries about how I will be able to take care of myself when he is gone.
My momma was in a nursing home for 5 horrible years. I got to know so many of the residents there, and also see many of them pass on. I spoke often with them about any fears of dying. Not one of them was afraid to die. They only had regrets and worries about those they would leave behind. Whether because of a spiritual belief in Heaven, or an absolute non-belief in an afterlife, or even an uncertainty of either, no one was afraid of dying. All said they had lived a good life, been blessed with a long life, and most were ready to go whenever - at any time. It was truly uplifting. And, the people that I have been with when that time came, always had such a peaceful look. Even those who were in comas. There is just a peace that comes over their faces.
I don't know if this will help or not. I hope it does.
sobs
I'm not sure I can help, but I will try a bit...
Having seen my mom linger for a long time with a terrible illness before she died, I can assure you that she was not afraid of dying. It was a welcome relief for her. Also, she was not "afraid" because of her spiritual beliefs.
I have watched my dad go from one of the most able-bodied active men in the world to a slow aged man. It is so sad for me. He has lost most of his friends and family to death. After an episode in the hospital for him, I asked him if he was afraid of dying. He thought for a moment, and told me that he was not afraid of dying, but he worries about how I will be able to take care of myself when he is gone.
My momma was in a nursing home for 5 horrible years. I got to know so many of the residents there, and also see many of them pass on. I spoke often with them about any fears of dying. Not one of them was afraid to die. They only had regrets and worries about those they would leave behind. Whether because of a spiritual belief in Heaven, or an absolute non-belief in an afterlife, or even an uncertainty of either, no one was afraid of dying. All said they had lived a good life, been blessed with a long life, and most were ready to go whenever - at any time. It was truly uplifting. And, the people that I have been with when that time came, always had such a peaceful look. Even those who were in comas. There is just a peace that comes over their faces.
I don't know if this will help or not. I hope it does.
sobs
sobs
07-20-2007, 05:49 AM
Hi Hayley!
I thought that I was the only person in world who was afraid of vomiting. What happens with you when you do vomit? Certainly, first I take every step I can, to not throw up. I have an Rx of nausea pills always at the ready. The fear for me has been as long as I can remember. I feel like I am going to smother, because I cannot breathe, while vomiting.
How about you?
sobs
I thought that I was the only person in world who was afraid of vomiting. What happens with you when you do vomit? Certainly, first I take every step I can, to not throw up. I have an Rx of nausea pills always at the ready. The fear for me has been as long as I can remember. I feel like I am going to smother, because I cannot breathe, while vomiting.
How about you?
sobs
vicky88
07-23-2007, 02:17 AM
Hi Vicky!:wave:
I'm not sure I can help, but I will try a bit...
Having seen my mom linger for a long time with a terrible illness before she died, I can assure you that she was not afraid of dying. It was a welcome relief for her. Also, she was not "afraid" because of her spiritual beliefs.
I have watched my dad go from one of the most able-bodied active men in the world to a slow aged man. It is so sad for me. He has lost most of his friends and family to death. After an episode in the hospital for him, I asked him if he was afraid of dying. He thought for a moment, and told me that he was not afraid of dying, but he worries about how I will be able to take care of myself when he is gone.
My momma was in a nursing home for 5 horrible years. I got to know so many of the residents there, and also see many of them pass on. I spoke often with them about any fears of dying. Not one of them was afraid to die. They only had regrets and worries about those they would leave behind. Whether because of a spiritual belief in Heaven, or an absolute non-belief in an afterlife, or even an uncertainty of either, no one was afraid of dying. All said they had lived a good life, been blessed with a long life, and most were ready to go whenever - at any time. It was truly uplifting. And, the people that I have been with when that time came, always had such a peaceful look. Even those who were in comas. There is just a peace that comes over their faces.
I don't know if this will help or not. I hope it does.
sobs
Hi Sobs,
Thanks for your post here. I didn't expect anyone to respond to my post but I really do appreciate it and after reading what you wrote, it gave me great comfort knowing that old people are not afraid to die since that's one of my obsessive thoughts right now. I'm just curious, is your mother a catholic? Are you a catholic? I'm a catholic and I truly believe in Heaven. How about you are you afraid to die? My therapist before told me it's the younger people who are more afraid to die rather than the old people. Maybe there's some truth to that. I just really miss my old self when I didn't use to have this phobia of dying (thanatophobia) and when old people never bothered me before, because before I got sick from ocd and depression, when I would see old people, I would just be indifferent towards them and not think of anything unlike now, when I see them, I would think "are they afraid of dying?" I know that these are my ocd thoughts and not really me since I wasn't like this before...I just wish that I'll be back to my old self and be happy and have my peace of mind back. I hope to hear from you again. Thanks so much again for your help!
I'm not sure I can help, but I will try a bit...
Having seen my mom linger for a long time with a terrible illness before she died, I can assure you that she was not afraid of dying. It was a welcome relief for her. Also, she was not "afraid" because of her spiritual beliefs.
I have watched my dad go from one of the most able-bodied active men in the world to a slow aged man. It is so sad for me. He has lost most of his friends and family to death. After an episode in the hospital for him, I asked him if he was afraid of dying. He thought for a moment, and told me that he was not afraid of dying, but he worries about how I will be able to take care of myself when he is gone.
My momma was in a nursing home for 5 horrible years. I got to know so many of the residents there, and also see many of them pass on. I spoke often with them about any fears of dying. Not one of them was afraid to die. They only had regrets and worries about those they would leave behind. Whether because of a spiritual belief in Heaven, or an absolute non-belief in an afterlife, or even an uncertainty of either, no one was afraid of dying. All said they had lived a good life, been blessed with a long life, and most were ready to go whenever - at any time. It was truly uplifting. And, the people that I have been with when that time came, always had such a peaceful look. Even those who were in comas. There is just a peace that comes over their faces.
I don't know if this will help or not. I hope it does.
sobs
Hi Sobs,
Thanks for your post here. I didn't expect anyone to respond to my post but I really do appreciate it and after reading what you wrote, it gave me great comfort knowing that old people are not afraid to die since that's one of my obsessive thoughts right now. I'm just curious, is your mother a catholic? Are you a catholic? I'm a catholic and I truly believe in Heaven. How about you are you afraid to die? My therapist before told me it's the younger people who are more afraid to die rather than the old people. Maybe there's some truth to that. I just really miss my old self when I didn't use to have this phobia of dying (thanatophobia) and when old people never bothered me before, because before I got sick from ocd and depression, when I would see old people, I would just be indifferent towards them and not think of anything unlike now, when I see them, I would think "are they afraid of dying?" I know that these are my ocd thoughts and not really me since I wasn't like this before...I just wish that I'll be back to my old self and be happy and have my peace of mind back. I hope to hear from you again. Thanks so much again for your help!
kotitka
07-25-2007, 12:12 PM
I wonder if you have any advice for me...
I have to go visit a relative who is sick with terminal cancer. I know this is going to trigger my funeral phobia and OCD obsessions immensely and I am going to relapse. I was getting quite better, but I really have to watch myself and what I expose myself to. I know I have to go - I was coming up with excuses for the last 3 weeks, and I know it's going to hurt me immensely.
What do I do?????????
I have to go visit a relative who is sick with terminal cancer. I know this is going to trigger my funeral phobia and OCD obsessions immensely and I am going to relapse. I was getting quite better, but I really have to watch myself and what I expose myself to. I know I have to go - I was coming up with excuses for the last 3 weeks, and I know it's going to hurt me immensely.
What do I do?????????
vicky88
07-26-2007, 01:38 AM
Hi Sobs,
I hope you can read what I posted a few days ago, and respond to my questions. Thanks so much.
Vicky
I hope you can read what I posted a few days ago, and respond to my questions. Thanks so much.
Vicky