I've had a nagging cough for weeks now. I've seen the doctor and it has only since gotten even worse. I feel 100% but I just can't stop coughing.

And how does this have anything to do with my mental health? A great deal actually.

I am completely humiliated by it. It is triggered primarily by talking so I have avoided doing anything where this might take place. I am extremely self-conscious. I have a constant running commentary in my head about how I draw attention to myself for having faults with everything. Naturally I am incredibly conscious then that I might make people uncomfortable, laugh at me, or even be angry. This dang cough has caused this so much so that it has ruined the last several weeks of my life - all because I am afraid of what people might think of me.

I am embarrassed to speak on the phone. This means I can't speak with my boyfriend and others. I can't go out without feeling that all eyes are upon me. I am moving in a week and am turning down offer after offer to meet friends before I do so. I am even turning down lunch with my son.

I should be able to say, "The heck what others think." But this is not in my nature. If only I had the where with all to do so. All that I can think of is that I will be the subject of scorn and ridicule.

[LaraR4444]

I often hate things that draw attention to me or could potentially be irritating too. What did the doctor say? Could it be phlegm or allergies? Hope it isn't brought on by stress. You could try cough drops to tackle whatever's causing the coughing when you're out and about and talking and stuff.

[Sunflower123]

I went through this a few months ago. I know exactly how you feel. I had acid burn my esophagus and coughed uncontrollably for weeks. I felt embarrassed going out and about because it felt like people were staring. Putting multiple cough drops in my mouth at once and keeping water on hand helped a little. I hope you’re coughing ceases soon.

I had coughing fits once. I went to the college doctor and they told me to take sudafed. I didn’t think that made sense but it helped. Post-nasal drip they said it was.

Several brands have been ineffective. the prescription narcotic cough suppressant has done nothing but cause halucinations and space me waaaaaaaay out. At least I sleep well. I have been sucking on drops for weeks. I have an inhaler from the doctor and am breathing free and clear yet still the tickle in the throat persists.

I am not answering my phone. I really need groceries but am avoiding leaving the house I am that concerned about being the unwelcome centre of attention.

Thanks for the kind words and suggestions.

[AlwaysBeenInvisible]

Dear JustAFriend306 - I'm so sorry you are experiencing this, and I completely understand even though I've not experienced it myself. My son had cough-variant asthma for 7 years when he was little and had horrible coughing attacks, and I know what it is like to not want to go anywhere - afraid of the stares, glares and comments of people around you. I used to think that everyone thought I was the worst parent in the world for taking my horribly sick child out in public and subjecting everyone else to his germs. But really it was inflammation from a cold he had 3 or 4 weeks ago and he was no threat to anyone.

I can't offer much in terms of solutions - keep using your inhaler, rest and hopefully it will improve. Please know you are not alone in enduring others judgement. It's hard and it's painful.

Thank you.

I cancelled my psychiatrist appointment for this coming week. There is no way I can manage an hour long conversation.

In the meantime I have pulled out some of my CBT work. Things like listing off in what way my anxiety could possibly be helpful and de-catastrophizing my thinking.

[Albie]

its not trivial if you feel this is really hampering your life. I would think if your doctor checked you out maybe you are allergic to something or I would have a second opinion to see about the root cause of your cough