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Phobia of a specific person? Help please

Posted , 2 users are following.

lucas95246
lucas95246

I'd like to please have advice on what have panic attacks when seeing a certain person, could be other than OCD, because although some of it sounds similar, some also differs a lot.

If it is a phobia of this person- how can that be overcome? Contact is no longer an option for it has been done in a meeting and failed already. This person- teacher- would not be willing to do it again, I am certain and I don't know if it would help. Regular contact had been suggested to me but that I very much doubt is an option. Are there any ideas for this please? I need help before I go back to school. I've never been so terrified to go back.

Recently I've not been able to touch things that relate to her- the specific type of purple. I dropped it when I realised how similar it was to something that had been worn by this person and couldn't pick it up. My hand went all tingly and weird, along with my stomach. Other things such as that have also happened; such as certain books, tv programes, etc.

If it's not a phobia what else could it be? How can it be an anxiety disorder if it only centers around this one person? 

I would really apprechiate a reply.

 

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • markR7
    markR7 lucas95246

    Posted

    Hi Lucas, I'm not sure my situation is the same but i do sympathize with what you say. I work in a public retail area and live in constant fear of having dealings against my will with persons who have wronged me in the past. My panic is set off by seeing such a person walk past the window.

    You sound like you are suffering from panic and certain triggers are setting you off too. There are some ocd traits in what you describe and whereas you dont go into what exactly has happened i can imagine that your relationship has broken down with this individual beyond the point of repair. Maybe some mediation from a third party could help and maybe some talk therapy for the triggers. Hope this helps. Best of luck

    • lucas95246
      lucas95246 markR7

      Posted

      I can totally relate to you because I work in a public retail as well. And thank you so much for your reply! It helped me a lot. Have a good day!
  • Purpledobermann
    Purpledobermann lucas95246

    Posted

    Have you discussed this with a doctor?

    What is your history with this person? How and when did this start? Did you just suddenly start getting panicky around them or were you uncomfortable from the moment you met her? What goes through your mind when you are near this person? What happenned during the meeting you mention? Describe your symptoms pls.

    - Have you ever had panic attacks triggered by specific places or situations or other people? When you say "Other things such as that have also happened; such as certain books, tv programes, etc." you mean in in reference to this teacher or other general issues?

    - Do you have any diagnosed psychological/psychiatric conditions?

    - Are you male or female and your age pls.

    Phobia can stand alone without an underlying anxiety disorder/OCD. It is relatively easy for a psychologist to establish whether this is a phobia on its own. First step is to figure out what this is and why - hence the queries above for you to consider. I would strongly urge you to get a referral to see a mental health professional for an asessment and assistance so as to prevent escalation and get this sorted promptly so you do not suffer needlessly.

    Gradual exposure and forced interaction would need to be monitored as you are shaken ad vulnerable by the sounds of it - not sure what the teacher's stance is. No advice about diffusing this can be given by anyone until your problem is evaluated fully so i would ignore any advice received from well-meaning others unless they are mental health professionals and focus first on getting to the bottom of what and why.

     

    • lucas95246
      lucas95246 Purpledobermann

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply! Unfortunately I haven't discussed this with a doctor and you are right I need to see a mental health professional. I can't do this anymore. Also I really need to think about answers to your questions at the beginning. Thank you once again for your help and reply. There are really nice people in this forum. Have a good day.

    • Purpledobermann
      Purpledobermann lucas95246

      Posted

      Yes, tidying up your mind and putting it all in order and perspective is the best first step as you will also regain a sense of control and confidence in yourself. Right now you are stuck in a cycle of dread and confusion feeling like this is something that you have no power over, which is not the case in any case be it phobia, anxiety or actual problems with this person. When we are tense and afraid things seem worse/bigger/scarier than they actually are and we are more vulnerable. At the end of the day things like these come out of a need to handle some aspect of ourselves better than we have been doing and most of the time it is all simpler than it looks at first glance. Wishing you a fast resolution.
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