Being Emetophobic.

[StaticGhost]

I have had Emetophobia for as long as I can remember. For those who don't know, Emetophobia is the fear of vomit.

Dealing with Emetophobia has been extremely difficult for me. If people say they feel sick I panic and try to get away from them as soon as possible, of course, in a way that isn't obvious.

Telling people I have it can be annoying, most people don't believe that it is an actual phobia and that I'm being silly and It'll eventually stop being a bother. Obviously, It's a real phobia and many people actually have it, and it isn't just a bother. Emetophobia is ruining my life.

Usually, when I have a panic attack caused by this fear, I start to shake violently, sweat profusely, start to cry and so on. It's much like any other anxiety attack, so It's a horrible feeling to go through.

does anyone else go through this and know any ways to cope with this fear? It's controlling my life and I'm sick of it.

Thank you.

[Croix]

Dear StaticGhost~

Fear of vomiting is a very debilitating problem and can realy make your life difficult, inconvenient and miserable. It is also something not everyone understands or tries to accommodate.

The problem has affected many people who have posted here and there are actually quite a few threads relating to it. I'd suggest starting with:

Forums / Anxiety / Vomiting Phobia

Which in turn lists other threads.

As well you can Google

Emetophobia beyondblue

While I do not have that particular type of anxiety I do know that professional help is the way to go and would like to ask if you have medical care for this condition.

Croix

[Clear82]

You are definitely not alone with this phobia. I have the exact same phobia and believe it or not I work with kids too.

I know that in order to prevent getting a tummy bug I need to wash my hands before meals and when I get all anxious about it sometimes I use this tool I was given. Stop what I am doing and tell myself what can I hear, see, feel and taste. It stops my thoughts in its tracks.

[Guest_2496]

Hi StaticGhost

I think yours is a very common phobia actually. My adult daughter had it for many years. I wouldn't say she thought about it daily - just, as you mentioned, if someone near her was feeling sick she'd worry... and she did check food to make sure there was no hint of it being off.

Recently though (sorry for the info!) she actually was sick. While feeling nauseas etc she was very anxious but once she had been sick she told me it wasn't as bad as she feared and clearly the lead up is what made her anxious. I think in a strange way it has helped her!

I'm not sure what to suggest for you to cope in the meantime other than the ways we're taught re any anxiety - mindfulness, cbt etc, speaking to a psychologist to reduce your general level of stress...