Anticipational anxiety leading to nausea

Mental health
1

Since June I have been having what my therapist has diagnosed as 'anticipational anxiety' about social situations, mainly to do with going to new places and eating out. I essentially get very panicked before a situation where I am out of work, such as going for a meal or going to a concert and this in turn makes me feel very nauseous. I have only been physically been sick once since June (at a music festival) however the sensation of nausea is becoming far too frequent, and has occasionally crept into work. The only time I don't feel nauseous is if I'm at home or at my girlfriend's and we are watching TV for example.

I'm going on holiday next week for 4 days to Disneyland and I'm already extremely stressed about that - essentially my anxiety is that I'm going to feel sick at everything from food, to travelling and then rides. I know that once I am sick I will be fine as that is what my anxiety is about but I can't stop help thinking about not being sick when I do feel sick. I have been to 4 therapy sessions since September, mainly about breathing, and have felt a little more positive after another session yesterday.

I have also been prescribed Propranolol which, funny enough, causes nausea as a common side effect. I haven't started taking these yet - is this a good idea?

Any help is greatly appreciated smile

2

Hi Daniel, so sorry that you're feeling this way. I hope you manage to have a great holiday!

I often feel nauseous as a result of anxiety and the best things

for me is to just try and breath through it - focus on your breathing and calm down, and remind yourself that it's just the anxiety making you feel sick.

But also, try not to put so much pressure on trying not to throw up. So much of anxiety (for me anyway) is getting worked up and terrified of being worked up and terrified. But sometimes being OK with the fact that we might be sick can be quite liberating, easier said than done, but try remembering that it really doesn't matter if you're sick!

I take propranolol and haven't had any side effects, maybe try and take some in a safe comfortable environment first and see how you get on.

Good luck

3

Daniel

Try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth at a moderate rate. You can also breath in through your nose then out your mouth into a PAPER Bag if you hypoventelate.the carbon dioxide from the lung will slow gasping for breath.

Mindfulness may also help, This relaxation Technique helps me relax. 

Look for diversions this will take your mind of your Anxiety

BOB