First Time Posting! Vomiting fear and anxiety.

[That_French_Kid]

Hey, my name is Harry. I'm 14 years old and my life is being controlled by fear and anxiety. This is a big step in my life since I haven't talked to anyone about my problem yet because i'm not close to my Father ever since my parents got divorced and I don't want to tell my Mum because she already does enough for me and my sisters. So four weeks ago I got really sick with vomiting and diarrhea. Iv always had a fear of vomiting wheater it was the sound, smell or actually vomit I would cover my ears and run. After I was sick I was worried about throwing up again. I feel sick all the time like I'm about to throw up but I never do. I usually play a lot of basketball but I haven't lately because I feel sick before I play. I've fallen behind in school work and assignments because I lose focus in class because I feel sick. I feel like im about to be sick, I've started eating less so that I don't throw up and only drinking sips of water so that I don't have too much water so that I throw up. Its also keeping me up to late times at night, for the last month I have been running off 3-4 hours of sleep a night. I'm really looking for some help and guidance.

[squarepeg]

Hi Harry

Sorry to hear you are going through this. My daughter has this phobia also, it is called Emetophobia, and it's more common than you might think. You're certainly not alone.

Try to eat bland foods that are 'safe', eg salty crackers, vegemite on toast, yoghurt, mashed potato... get the idea? You need something in your tummy so you don't feel sick. When you feel sick, you get anxious, and that causes you to feel sicker.

It's a downward spiral. Maybe have little bits often, until you can get back on top of eating properly.

My daughter leads an almost normal life, she's 31 now. Works full time etc.

You can do this, just need some coping strategies.

Maybe do ask your Mum to see if you can get some counselling, before it can get worse for you? She would want to know, despite how much she does, I'm sure she would.

Take care. I'm here if you need to chat.

[jess334]

Hi Harry,

I had the exact same problem. It made me terrified of eating or drinking. Every time I felt sick I had to go lay down and not move until the feeling passed.

Like squarepeg suggested, I started eating really bland foods like crackers and toast. First just a couple of crackers every hour or so. Its important not to go too long without eating or you will actually feel sicker.

Its also important to talk to someone about what you are feeling. If you cant talk to your family, maybe your school has a councillor? You are also old enough that you can go see a doctor by yourself if you want to. You just need your Medicare card (or number).

Take care.