Perfection Pending

By Meredith Ethington

  • My Books
    • The Mother Load
    • Mom Life: Perfection Pending – The Book
    • Free eBook: Sometimes Motherhood Sucks
    • How To Grow Your FB Following
  • Motherhood
    • Inspiration
    • Encouragement
    • Childhood
    • Humor
    • Parenting Memes
    • Friendship
    • Marriage
  • Kid Ideas
    • Recipes
    • Practical Tips
    • Babies & Toddlers
    • teens and tweens
    • The Elementary School Years
  • Mental Health
    • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
  • About
    • Favorite Posts
    • My Portfolio
    • Privacy & Disclosures

Anxiety Mental Health

The Fear of Getting Sick Is My Biggest Anxiety Trigger And I Hate It

2 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

As fall approaches every year, I can feel the anxiety rising. Ironically, fall is my favorite season of them all. I love the leaves changing, and sweaters, and all things pumpkin. But, it’s also a signal of something looming that I dread every year – sickness.

While my Anxiety and OCD isn’t just about illness, it’s a huge triggering factor for me. It robs me of the joy I want to feel around my favorite time of year. I’m constantly waiting for the inevitable – for someone to get sick.

This holiday season, we had three trips planned back to back. I was a mess inside my own head. I slept horrible, and had a hard time enjoying myself because in the back of my mind, it was always there nagging at me. What if someone gets sick? What if we’re trapped in this hotel room together sick? What if we’re trapped in someone else’s house and it runs through all the cousins like wildfire? 

A kid saying their tummy hurts immediately sends a hot wave through me. My heart starts racing and I have to calm myself down so others don’t notice how I’m panicking inside. I feel isolated, ridiculous and alone.

I take medication, and I’ve been to therapy. Both help. But, I also want to lock my family inside and never leave the house for all of the winter season. It’s irrational, I know. But, I also feel like it’s the only way to protect us. And, yet, I feel guilt and shame for even entertaining those thoughts.

People get sick. No big deal, you might think. But, for me, it’s my biggest trigger. I sleep less. I am angry when I find out I was exposed by a friend, or when my child comes home from school and tells me someone threw up in class that day.

For me personally, the worry about illness is mostly about my Emetophobia which is a nightmare to live as a parent. But, it’s also about winter in general. It’s an association with what I’ve deemed a miserable time of year when I have to be hyper-vigilant, hyper aware, and I’m constantly on high alert.

Most people find solace in posting about their various illnesses on social media, but for me, it’s more than just stress inducing to see their posts. I don’t care if you live three states away, if you post about someone in your family throwing up, I’ll think about it for days. I’ll worry that it’s coming my way, and I’ll likely lose sleep over it.

Most people lament that they hate this time of year as they exchange horror stories (at least that’s how they feel to me) of their entire family falling victim to an illness, but it’s not really that I hate this time of year, I just hate who it makes me become.

I went to visit family right after Christmas, and on the long drive home I crashed. Hard. I slept almost the whole way while my husband drove for most of the 11 hour trip. I was relieved. Relieved we lasted for a full week with no one getting sick. Relieved that I had survived it (because that’s what living with anxiety feels like every day). And, at the same time feeling that feeling of relief made me realize something.

This anxiety is robbing me.

It’s stealing sleep, but it’s also stealing happy moments I could be enjoying more fully, and it’s stealing peace I could feel during a beautiful Christmas season. It’s stealing joy I could feel when cousins are in close quarters because I’m too busy worried about a little cough in the night or a kid restless in his bed.

It’s robbing me, and I’m on survival mode. I’ll get through it. I always do. I just wish I didn’t have to fight so hard.


22 Comments

« Garlic Pepper Parmesan Turkey Burgers With Fresh Basil
Science Says The Reason You Lost Your Temper Is Because You’re Exhausted »

Comments

  1. Mandy V. says

    January 6, 2018 at 7:52 am

    I go through this exact same thing. Other than the travel part, I feel like I could have written it myself! My family got the stomach flu last year and the 4 of us had it all during the same week with one bathroom. I can’t tell you how horrific and traumatic that was! It still is.

    It makes me feel better knowing I am not alone. It makes you feel crazy and worry that you are losing your mind. No one else I know is like this. Thank you so much for writing. If I am crazy, at least I am not alone in it.

    Good luck to you, Momma!

    Reply
  2. Ashley Draz says

    January 6, 2018 at 8:04 am

    This could not be more me than if I had written it. It’s exhausting. People say, “calm down. Kids get sick.” What I think is, “well dang, I hadn’t thought of just calming down!! You’ve cured me of a disorder!!” I am always so thankful when spring and summer roll around!

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 6, 2018 at 1:25 pm

      me too!!

      Reply
  3. Mary says

    January 6, 2018 at 9:55 am

    We might be twins based on this post alone! When I hear the stomach bug is going around I literally begin eating less food. No red sauce, no heavy meals. Cereal and toast for weeks. For every meal. I too take medication.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 6, 2018 at 1:24 pm

      I’m sorry you go through this too! I can definitely relate!

      Reply
  4. Breanna says

    January 7, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    Someone tagged this on Facebook and I am crying because this is who I am. Some years are better than others and this is a bad year. I’ve been looking into something more than talk therapy. I haven’t been very successful yet. 🙁

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      January 7, 2018 at 9:19 pm

      I’m sorry Breanna. I know what you’re going through. It’s so hard! Hug!

      Reply
  5. Andrea says

    January 31, 2018 at 8:35 pm

    Oh gosh I do the same freak out! Hadn’t thought it was anxiety but you know,I believe it is. Hate it!!!

    Reply
  6. Ann says

    March 4, 2018 at 2:06 pm

    OMG! This is ME! It’s overwhelming! My youngest (4) has febrile seizures. The thought of him getting sick, with a fever, scared me to death! I kept him out of daycare nearly a month 1 was so worried. To top it off, when he has anything respiratory, it flares up his asthma. Between the seizures and asthma attacks, we used to frequent the ER often. I see a post on fb about someone’s sick kid and I’m feeling his head for days, listening for a cough all night! It’s awful and out of my control. People just do not understand it!
    Fortunately, knock on wood, we’ve been doing pretty good recently. Idk if it’s the combination of Thieves and Elderberry or just luck, but it seems we’re coasting at the moment!

    Reply
  7. E.G. says

    January 22, 2019 at 1:10 am

    I was really happy to see someone write about this. I’m really wary of admitting it but I’ve had emetophobia since I was a teenager. I thought I could avoid triggers by just never having kids and didn’t want to for many reasons but especially that I thought having this phobia (along with other mental illnesses like ADHD) would make me a terrible parent.

    And it was easy for a while because I never really wanted to or tried to become a dad. That is until I met my current boyfriend. He has a wonderful little girl and though I know I’d never be the same as her biological dad, I know that if things get more serious between me and him, then one day I might need to take on something closer to a parental role. For the first time in my life I find my phobia at war with this weird, new, vague desire to have a family. And I don’t want it to be. I don’t want to have this. I don’t want to be like this. I kind of hate myself for being like this because they deserve the world and I know this makes me very NOT THAT.

    But anyway I guess it’s just nice to see someone be open about it so I know I’m not alone. If you develop any magic cures (if only) or perfect coping mechanisms I would love to read about them.

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    January 26, 2020 at 10:25 am

    I absolutely could have written this exact same article. The anti anxiety medication and the face that my kids are older and can take care of themselves has helped tremendously. Every winter I wonder why we don’t live somewhere warm where they’d be outside more or why I don’t homeschool (I know why but I seriously think about it during the winter). It’s a nightmare.

    Reply
  9. Ella says

    June 8, 2020 at 10:24 pm

    I am only 13 and I have the same anxiety as you I have been struggling with it for years and I wish it could go away I thought I was the only one but to here I am not the only one makes me have a little hope. I loved hearing your story ♡

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      June 9, 2020 at 1:30 pm

      Hi Ella! Thanks for sharing that with me. There is hope that it can get better. I would encourage you to get help from someone who specializes in this kind of thing. It can help! I’m sorry you struggle with this but you are not alone!

      Reply
      • Ella says

        June 18, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        Thank you for the advice

        Reply
  10. Jessica says

    June 10, 2020 at 8:09 pm

    Thank you for putting in words how I feel. I thought I was the only one who knows in their mind that getting sick will happen but has absolutely no control over how paralyzing the anxiety can be. Then there’s the guilt about feeling that way.

    Reply
  11. Sabrina says

    March 25, 2021 at 7:45 am

    I am the EXACT same…, all of it! I am a little comforted that there are others that feel the same as I do when it comes to this but it is very difficult to live with especially when those around you do not understand and are not affected like I am. The first sign of a sniffle, stuffy nose, sneeze, itchy throat, and/or “my tummy doesn’t feel well” sends me into panic.

    Reply
  12. DJ Hunt says

    December 12, 2021 at 6:38 pm

    Did you ever find recovery from this? I struggle too.

    Reply
    • Meredith says

      December 19, 2021 at 10:11 pm

      Hi DJ – I have spent a lot of time in therapy, also take meds, and also my kids have gotten older. I find it much easier to manage. I think it’s mostly meds and my kids getting bigger. I hope you can find some relief too.

      Reply
  13. Julie says

    January 31, 2022 at 9:28 pm

    I have this same exact problem! Especially when it’s a stomach bug sickness. My husband thinks I’m crazy so that makes if so much worse for me. I lose so much sleep when one of my kids isn’t feeling well. I get so stressed out and can’t eat for days because of it. I didn’t know it was an actual thing and didn’t know there was a name for it and also didn’t know therapy or medication could help? My kids are 11, 9, and 6 and when they get sick I am such a hot mess and try so hard to not let them know I am stressed and worried 🙁

    Reply
  14. Sarah H says

    March 4, 2023 at 7:11 pm

    I honestly thought I was the ONLY one who got this way 🥺 It’s comforting to know I’m not alone for sure, but I still absolutely hate myself when it happens. My son at this very moment has the flu. He will not stop throwing up, has a slight fever…he’s 6 and resting at the moment but the minute I saw that thermometer temp heading passed 99 I felt my muscles tense, my stomach turn and I started to get hot. Like a panic attack tries to set in for HOURS until the sick kids are better. It all revolves around the fear of puking. I had it bad as a kid, had it under control a bit in my 20s but after I had my daughter and son it came back. Every time they get sick I just lose it, I can’t eat, can’t sleep…I physically make my own self sick from the worry. I really haven’t found a way around it, I haven’t tried medication or therapy but it looks like I should look into it. I suffer with all of you and we can get through it ♥️

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Why I Hope My Kids End Up In Therapy One Day - Perfection Pending says:
    January 19, 2018 at 9:01 pm

    […] been angry lately, had my anxiety come back in full force, had days where I just wanted to lay in bed and I’m just not coping […]

    Reply
  2. Why You Really Should Enjoy Every Second. Even Though You Won't. - Perfection Pending says:
    January 30, 2018 at 8:58 pm

    […] care of my sick kids that were throwing up. A couple of years ago, a stomach bug would have sent me into a panic attack. Now, I was suddenly saying thank […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome! I’m Meredith.

Mom. Writer. Diet Coke connoisseur. Born and raised Texan. Lover of real talk and laughter with a hint of sarcasm mixed in.

The Mother Load

Perfection Pending on Instagram

perfectpending

Mom • Author • Mental Health Therapist In Training
Grab my new book, The Mother Load, available now. 👇👇

Meredith Ethington
I see nothing wrong here. I see nothing wrong here.
Still not there yet. 😑 #ikea #momlifebelike #ik Still not there yet. 😑 #ikea #momlifebelike #ikeahack #jokesfordays
This was my mom’s desk when she was little. At s This was my mom’s desk when she was little. At some point it got passed down to one of her grandchildren. Then it made its way to my house and all three of my kids have used it too. 
My middle decided he was done with it and I had no idea what to do with it. It’s almost an antique at this point and I knew my mom felt sentimental about it. It’s heavy and tiny but it has good bones as they say. 
My mom lives too far away to come get it and the grandkids are all getting too big to want this desk in their rooms. 
I walked around my little house looking for a spot for it. There really isn’t one. 
Could it be an end table? Or swapped out for an entry table? 
But then I walked into my bedroom and saw this bare wall. It’s not ideal. My husband will hate it. But I’ve been thinking that I needed a study spot in my house (in a room with a door that shuts and locks) since I’m in school again at 46 years old. 
I’m hilariously too big for this little desk but also it seems just fine for sitting and writing papers. 
The older I get, the more I realize that this life is short and I’m sure it will make my mom happy to know I’m not only hanging onto this desk a little while longer but it’s going to be used for actual school work again instead of hoarding useless scraps of paper, half filled notebooks and dull crayons no one has touched in years. 
I’m breathing life back into this desk for a few more years and it seems symbolic of my taking something old (me) and using it for something new (becoming a therapist). 
I’m not super sentimental about furniture but I’m sentimental about the people that I love. 
She loves this desk so I guess I’ll love it a little longer on her behalf. ❤️
🚨Vulnerable post alert! My latest on substack: 🚨Vulnerable post alert! My latest on substack: "I feel depressed that it’s back, when I had been handling things so well.
I feel hopeless that although I know it will end, that it will come back again.
I feel embarrassed that I’m sometimes mean to the ones I love most.
I feel like I want to give up.
I feel tired.
I feel overwhelmed by the tiniest thing.
I feel alone. I feel like I’m literally the only one feeling that way in that moment even though I know I’m not deep down. But, anxiety makes me feel like that.
I feel like I just would be better off if I could disappear."
First day back after a week long vacay to the fun First day back after a week long vacay to the fun of carpool and the reality of being a responsible adult is kicking my boot-ay. Can you tell? 😅
Yup. 😂 @themumcrew Yup. 😂 @themumcrew
Best thrift find ever. 😂 Best thrift find ever. 😂
Mental health matters. ❤️ Mental health matters. ❤️
You get the full tour if you’re my friend. You get the full tour if you’re my friend.
Because apparently it belongs to no one. 😑 Because apparently it belongs to no one. 😑
Just like building muscles in our body, to have go Just like building muscles in our body, to have good mental health we need to build muscles in our brains as well. What does that look like? 

For me, it often looks like practicing things that make me uncomfortable. 
Saying no. Setting boundaries. Sitting in discomfort with feelings I don't like. Being OK if someone is mad at me. Learning to validate MYSELF. You get the idea. 
But, really it can be anything that you need to work on but makes you feel REALLY uncomfortable. So much so that it feels like your brain is literally rejecting it. If you want to build that muscle in your brain that is OK with disappointing people in favor of your own mental health, you have to treat it like muscle building in your body. 

1. Do it often enough. 
2. Start small, and work your way up. 
3. Go heavy when you're ready. 

Practicing it often enough is really when you're going to get big results. Soon you'll get used to those negative feelings that come along with telling someone no and knowing they're disappointed. You'll build up endurance to tolerate the feelings and be able to sit with them and let them go. And finally, it will become second nature to you to do all those things you didn't think you could do. Just like strength training for a marathon - consider strength training for your mind. 

One thing I'm working on is telling myself I'm OK. I struggle with seeking validation from others when really I need to be seeking validation from myself. Because MYSELF is good, worthy, and OK 99% of the time. 

What are you practicing right now? I'd love to hear if this is true for you.
Love this so much. @nellie_scales Love this so much. @nellie_scales
If you’ve loved anything I’ve written, conside If you’ve loved anything I’ve written, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber on Substack where you won’t miss any of my posts. Here’s the latest - link in profile. 

#mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #mentalhealthawareness #stopthestigmamentalillness
For the moms fighting all the battles no one sees. For the moms fighting all the battles no one sees. My latest on substack. ❤️ Link in profile
Truth right here. Truth right here.
Same girl, same. Same girl, same.
Yep. 😂 @sixfootcandy Yep. 😂 @sixfootcandy
Sounds about right. @theimpatientsloth Sounds about right. @theimpatientsloth
My newest post. I hope you’ll read it. Link to S My newest post. I hope you’ll read it. Link to Substack in profile.
😂😂 @fiftyfirsttates 😂😂 @fiftyfirsttates
Load More Follow on Instagram

You might also like

Here’s How to Deal With Hating Being a Parent

Am I real? Mom holding newborn baby

Am I Real? The Question That Started “Mommy Blogging”

Mom holding crying baby I yelled at my baby and feel horrible

I Yelled At My Baby And Feel Horrible. What should I Do Now?

baby smiling and crawling on floor with white background

Are Babies Born With Kneecaps? And Other Weird Baby Facts

Girl with long hair and glasses pointing with a shocked look on her face

9 Powerful Phrases To Say To A Narcissist

Copyright © 2023 · Perfection Pending · Designed by Krizzy Designs

Copyright © 2023 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

2 shares