My BIG problem

[samhain88]

I wanted to make this thread to see if anyone else has a problem like this. For the past 2 years or so, I have developed a phobia of sorts of cigarrette smoke. Anyone who smokes I cannot even be around and I find that if they touch me, I will have this urge to buy new clothing and shower for about an hour.

Now, I grew up in a household where everyone smokes and it never used to bother me. But now that I have moved out and am now living with my fiance, it only consumes me. It controls my every move in every day life. I bought some clothing from a store, while walking outside, I walked right next to a person smoking,right in the smoke, and went back and returned everything. Crazy , I know. Now, I know the smell couldnt have possibly gotten to my clothing. It was just a brief second. But in my mind it was all over me.

This is a very big prolem for me and I hope someone can point out addvice on what to do. Its now affecting my relationship with my fiance and family. My mom smokes and I have avoided her for almost 2 years because of my issue. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this and have any advice to me?? Thanks for reading.

 

[Mesa]

sounds like you should see a psychiatrist.

 

[Grange Wallis]

The thread title sounds like an episode of Scrubs...


And you need to relax... If you don't reprogram yourself out of this you'll be an obsessive-compulsive that uses hand sanitisers 50,000 times a day and fathers kids that have to live in a bubble because they can't handle any germs!

So my advice is get over it... I also hate the smell & feel of smoke when I'm walking around, but it no worst than all the pollution from traffic! Just don't hang around smokers, because 2nd hand smoke is a real killer!

Also, make a mental note that you're being silly next time you think about doing something like return a bag of clothes!

 

[karamazov80]

sounds like you should see a psychiatrist.

Yeah, you've got some issues that aren't gonna get solved by a toy message board. I can't be around cigarette smoke because it immediately sets off a migraine headache, but that's physiological.

 

[samhain88]

Yeah, you've got some issues that aren't gonna get solved by a toy message board. I can't be around cigarette smoke because it immediately sets off a migraine headache, but that's physiological.

Yeah I mean I know this isnt gonna get solved on here but I just needed to talk about it and maybe see if anyone else has similar issues. And yes I do need to relax about it. Thanks for replying. It helps.

 

[Agent0028]

Hi Samhain, others may not have the same phobia as you, but trust me, there are alot of people who have phobias. I think you should seek counseling and I don't think it will take that long for you to work through the issue. Good luck with it.

 

[Grange Wallis]

I have a massive phobia for sharks... thank you very much Mr Spielberg! It's getting worst! So I'm going cage driving with Great Whites in South Australia next year after uni!

I am a big believer of only fearing fear itself!

 

[seniram6]

If you see a psychiatrist, all they are going to do is see you for 15-20 min and give you meds that can make the problem worsen. I would recommend you find a reputable psychologist in your area and ask to see him or her and if you two are comfortable with each other you can go about a treatment plan to hopefully make things more bearable with your family members and others in your life who do smoke.

 

[mr.thrifty]

CLICK FOR ADVICE
*caution* language

 

[The Ween]

I have a phobia for MRI machines. I WILL NOT get in one.

And no Thrifty, I'm not gonna....

Spoiler

Harden the ____ up!

 

[mr.thrifty]

I have a phobia for MRI machines. I WILL NOT get in one.

And no Thrifty, I'm not gonna....

Spoiler

Harden the ____ up!

...

 

[Bamboota]

I gotta a couple phobias myself.

 

[villainsfan42]

start smoking.

if you cant beat 'em, join 'em.

 

[phoenixram1977]

I have a statue phobia. And by that i mean large statues. Mostly holy statues.

 

[tbay]

It sounds really serious since it's affecting your relationships, this is definitely not something to take lightly. Please seek help from a professional.

 

[Maglor]

I agree with the consensus here that you should seek help.

If you see a psychiatrist, all they are going to do is see you for 15-20 min and give you meds that can make the problem worsen. I would recommend you find a reputable psychologist in your area and ask to see him or her and if you two are comfortable with each other you can go about a treatment plan to hopefully make things more bearable with your family members and others in your life who do smoke.

^^^^^

This in particular is good advice. I don't think you need meds, you would very likely benefit from what is called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I have personal experience with this.

I used to have a debilitating fear of panic attacks accompanied by actual panic attacks. I know that sounds redundant, but it's called "panic disorder." It's in the family of anxiety disorders, and it sounds like what you are dealing with would also be in that family. (OCD and phobias are all anxiety disorders.) These disorders are treated very effectively by CBT. Sometimes it has to be in addition to Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors like Zoloft or Prosac, but I doubt that would be necessary for what you are dealing with.

You will get through this. Asking for help is the first step. It's good that you are admitting the problem (even if it's just on a toy forum). Remember that it is your choice to see a psychologist, so it is action that you are taking. That is to be applauded!

Try to find a psychologist in your area that specializes in anxiety disorders and let us know how it goes.

 

[Devil_666]

start smoking.

if you cant beat 'em, join 'em.

 

[BadMoon]

Agreed!


Yep seek some help. I hope it all works out for you!

 

[samhain88]

Seriously, thanks you everyone for the warm messages and the suggestions. I really appretiate it. I am looking in a therapist right now but money is kinda holding me back.

But I have gone out of my way to try to start making changes in my life. I even made it a point to walk by a person smoking everyday. I figure I gotta face my fears. I havent thrown any clothes away. But it's it bugging me like crazy. I hope to god I can someday get over something like this because it is parylyzing when you go out in public. It just gets in the way of EVERYTHING.

Oh , and another thing. Out of the all other forums I posted this same message on, you guys were the only ones who didnt have negative comment to say to me. And that makes me proud to be a member here. So thanks so much.

 

[Valfar]

Well here is something people might think i am ____ed for but, i used to date a girl that smoked a lot and even in her place.I think i just stayed with her because she was fun to have sex with so, anyway..every time i would leave her place and just before i got home, i would clean my car seat and the passenger(where she was) because i would reak of smoke pretty bad, even wash my hair twice in the shower and scrub myself down with extra body wash.