A
female
age
30-35,
*ayle-x
writes:I am 17 years old and I have a fear of other people being sick, I've had it as long as I can remember. When I was younger I was scared of being sick too but I've kind of grown out of that, I don't like being sick but I am not terrified of it half as much as I am terrified of other people being sick. Everywhere I go it's at the back of my mind that someone might be sick and it really scares me, I hate using pulic transport because I know that if someone is sick I have nowhere to run. I really get worked up about it. I can't go near anyone who feels sick or looks as though they may be sick or anyone who has been sick. It's taking over my life I hate having this fear, it's so weird. Even my doctor looked confused when I told him about it and asked for help, Ii really need to get this sorted because it will probably stop me having children. I would be scared to go near even my own child if they were ill. I can't do this any more, I need help!. Reply to this Question
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female
reader, anonymous, writes (2 March 2009): my husband showed me your post and actually asked me whether I had written it. I have suffered from exactly the same thing ever since I can remember. It is as you say, I hate being sick myself, but I am terrified of other people being sick. I cant use public toilets because I had an experience some years back when a person came in and was sick in front of me, the same happened on a bus so I avoid busses too. The thing is, I had my daughter nine months ago and to begin with I was scared that I would react the same way with her. But I find that the opposite happens with her, I am so concerned with making sure that she is ok that the impulse to run away and calm myself down is simply not there. I know children get sick often, so I hope that in time this may desensitize me. Maybe we should both take some of the advice written by others and go to the doctor, I've suffered from this for nearly 30 years now so maybe it's time! I just really wanted you to know, you are not alone.
Good Luck
Nic
A
female
reader, bubbloo24  +, writes (28 February 2009):
 Hey hun,
What a horrible thing to have to deal with. I've heard about this kind of thing before and as Jessicarabbit has said, you're not alone. I think it's called emetophobia, but don't take me up on that.
Have you spoken to your parents about this? I think if you did, you'd feel a bit better about it.
Explain to them that you have this irrational fear of others being sick and that you need to see someone who can help you. I'm sure there are things on the internet that will give you more information on this and how to deal with it.
I'm suprised the doctor wasn't more helpful with this and I'd suggest you talk to another doctor or someone in the medical profession who might be able to suggest something.
I hope you manage to find a solution.
All the best.
Take care xx
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A
male
reader, anonymous, writes (28 February 2009): Hey there, im replying to this because i know how you feel. My girlfriend has the same trouble and has suffered for years with this but she is getting better. She goes to a psychologist and has been working at it. She even managed to spend a few hours with me when i had been ill. My advice is to keep at it, you will beat this and it is possible, if you think the doctor cant help try to get a psycologist, they can work wonders with this. Try to desensitize yourself to it slowly. All i can say is good luck, i wish you the very best
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (28 February 2009): Oh sweetheart, I am so sorry to hear about this. I am surprised that your doctor was confused when you told him about this - but you need to know that other people suffer from exactly the same thing you do, and that there are ways to get over it and not let it ruin your life. The important thing to remember is that you have control over this, and that with practice you can get a handle on it. It's more common than you think. Some people are afraid of germs, get paranoid about things, have to do special rituals or else they get panicky etc.http://www.ocdforums.org/http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obsessive-compulsive_disorderHope I was able to helpGood luck!
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