Yeah… I’m Gonna Need Emotional Support for This

Let’s compare! 👀

In therapy, I was told to make a list of 10 things that trigger me or that I avoid.

A list that would have an average joe like… “wait, what?” But for us?… Immediate panic.

The kind of situations that require a pep talk, an exit plan, and emotional support.So here’s mine for this month:

1. Traveling (all Transportation you can think of)

Boats, cars, buses, trains, planes… doesn’t matter.

You’re telling me I’m:

stuck
surrounded by people
and someone could get sick???

Absolutely not.

I’ve been double cursed with emetophobia AND the worst motion sickness. Like I get nauseous even when I’m the one driving… make it make sense.

And cruises???
You cannot pay me any amount of money in this world.

People getting sick, trapped on a boat, motion sickness???
Heck nah.

2. Anywhere during sick season

The second I hear “it’s going around”…

I’m out.

I become a hermit.
Do not invite me anywhere.
I do not want to be around ANYONE.

In my brain? Everything is contaminated.

If I do need to go out I keep bleach wipes in my purse.

3. Meat (specifically chicken)

I take one bite and see even a hint of pink???

I’m done.

If I’m cooking—prepare for the driest piece of chicken you’ve ever had.
Like congratulations, it’s been cooked 14 times.

But hey… at least you know everything in my kitchen is CLEAN clean.

4. Restaurants I don’t know

I fully judge a book by its cover.

If I walk in and catch a vibe???

It’s over.

It’s like getting the ick from a partner… once it’s there, it’s DONE.
My brain goes on high alert and we are canceled immediately.

5. Movies with that scene

No comment needed.

6. When someone says “my stomach hurts” or is sick

Oh.

So now I’m panicking.

My brain instantly goes:

what do you have
did we eat the same thing
am I next

Get away from me immediately.

I’m ruined.

7. Spills in public

If I see something on the ground???

My brain does NOT think it’s water.

Nope.

Immediately:
“someone got sick there.”

And now I’m walking 10 feet around it like it’s toxic.

8. Food near expiration

If it expires tomorrow…

In my head it expired 5 days ago.

I wish I was joking.

I know I contribute to food waste and I hate that…
but my brain is like nope, contaminated.

9. When someone tells you they were sick AFTER seeing you

Like 24–48 hours later???

Yeah I’m done.

Now I’m:

tracking every feeling
overanalyzing everything
waiting for it to hit

It’s a full countdown in my head.

10. Taking new medicine

You’re telling me…

“vomiting” is a 1/100 side effect
which means someone somewhere threw up???

IM DOOOMEDDDD!!!!

I will read the label 47 times, Google it,
and still sit there debating if I should take it.

Because what if I’m the 1???

🤍 The truth

It’s not that I actually can’t do these things.

It’s that every single one of them comes with a mental battle first.

The overthinking.
The “what ifs.”
The constant scanning of my body and everything around me.

The missing out on experiences….

Some days are easier.
Some days feel impossible.

But I still try show up.
I still do them.

Even if it takes a pep talk… or 20.

💬 Your turn

If you have a list like this too… I see you.

I know how real it feels, even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.

You’re not dramatic.
You’re not crazy.
And you’re definitely not alone in this.

If you feel comfortable, share yours 🤍

Even if it’s just one.

Let’s all relate!!!

We’re all figuring this out together.