Anxiety has always been a part of my life, even when I was a small child. I have many fears that I deal with on a daily basis. Yes, I will be blogging about these fears and anxieties every week as I experience some these pretty much everyday. My biggest fears are small enclosed places and sicknesses, especially vomiting, which is called Emotophobia. (this article explains it well) Yes, I have a severe fear of me puking(especially in public), or seeing someone else puke. In fact, if I hear that someone is/has been sick, I will avoid anywhere that person has been. I especially keep my kids away from public places where someone may have been contagious. I know I have no control over their school, but I do make them wash hands right when they get home, just in case… Sadly, I think I have passed on this fear to my daughter. When she has actually been sick, I am able to remain calm, but I think my extreme preventative measures have caused her some anxiety around the issue. My mother also has this phobia. She was also able to remain calm when I was sick, but I could feel her panic within. Grrrr….
And then there’s flying. About week before travel I am on edge and grouchy with the entire family. I try extra hard to keep our kids out of the public(selfish)during this time. The combination of being claustrophobic on a plane and having my kids, or myself get sick is just too overwhelming. Yes, I have some Xanax, but hate to have to use it. On top of all of this, my son has always had motion sickness(car and plane), just my luck! See? “It’s all about me, not him”, is what my husband says. Truly though, I hate when my kids suffer, but am working on it as I know it is a part of life and they need to know how to cope. Oh but I do feel their pain and would always prefer me to be sick over them.