Hello! I’m Katie. I have a severe, intense fear of v*miting and I was wondering if anybody else had the same phobia? I’ve been like this since I was a toddler. I would rather die than throw up.
Phobia of V*miting: Hello! I’m Katie. I... - Anxiety and Depre...
Phobia of V*miting
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While very far from having a phobia of vomiting I can tell you that I have more of a sensitive gag reflex because of my pregnancies. With my son it wasn’t as severe but with my daughter I had hyperemesis gravidarum, which is the medical condition of essentially 24/7 ‘morning sickness.’ It lasted for a few months of my pregnancy, I couldn’t even look at a glass of water without throwing up. Eventually I needed a PICC line placed due to not being able to hold anything down.
Katie_Y in reply to
I don’t plan on ever having children for that exact reason. I’m afraid of morning sickness and the stomach sicknesses that having children would bring into contact with me.
in reply to Katie_Y
I didn't throw up once. That's a huge wonderful part of life to give up. I understand but it's so worth it.
in reply to
I’d actually do it all over again in a heartbeat despite the difficulties I had during my pregnancies.
in reply to
They are worth going through anything, aren't they? 😏
in reply to
I had extremely complicated pregnancies after having a miscarriage before my son came along. I bled, spotted, had the HG, was high risk due to a bicornuate uterus. Crazy enough I’d repeat it all because the end result was amazing.
in reply to
I was high risk too with previous miscarriages. Sorry it was rough for you.
Katie_Y in reply to
I’m so, so sorry you had miscarriages. All I can think of is “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton. “There are moments that the words don’t reach. There is suffering too terrible to name. You hold your child as tight as you can, and push away the unimaginable.” I hope you were eventually able to give birth to healthy children.
Katie_Y in reply to
I’m so very sorry to hear about your miscarriages. My cousin and his wife struggled to conceive and went through many miscarriages before they had a successful pregnancy. Now they have a bouncing, baby boy! I’m glad you were finally able to have children of your own. I can’t imagine what it’s like to hold babies in your heart but not in your arms. You’re a strong, brave, resilient person and I admire you.
in reply to Katie_Y
You’re so sweet! I felt badly for having an off-tangent conversation within your post, didn’t mean to take away from what you originally posted!
Glad to know that your cousin and his wife ended up having their rainbow baby.
Thanks, I did as well, have 2 rainbow babies. My son is 20, daughter is 17.
Katie_Y in reply to
Don’t feel badly! I go off on tangents all the time. You must’ve needed to talk about it a bit. Sometimes the best, most cathartic thing you can do is confide in someone. ❤️
Katie_Y in reply to
Neither did my mother, during either of her pregnancies, but I find the risk of sickness outweighs any kind of benefit. I don’t mean to sound down on having children; it’s just not something I’ve ever wanted, phobia or not. I can take small doses like handing out candy on Halloween, but the idea of actually having a child isn’t for me. I’d rather be the quirky, fun aunt to any kids my little brother might have in the future. Totally respect your decision to have kids btw. They can be great and I’m sure you’re an awesome parent! 
in reply to Katie_Y
Thx. Yes I understand we all have our own paths. Your life will still be rich.
in reply to Katie_Y
Hey there’s no problem with loving children as the quirky fun aunt and then being able to return them to their parents 😂
Katie_Y in reply to
Right? If I were to ever get well and have a child, I would most likely name him Finn Sawyer after my little brother, Sawyer. He’s a godsend with handling my OCD and emetophobia and everything else. If I were to have a girl, I would name her Charlotte Jacqueline, after my mom, Jacki. That’s a dream world away, but if Disney has taught me anything, it’s to keep dreaming!
in reply to Katie_Y
Awww love the names, and your brother sounds like a sweetie.
Hey there’s always adoption 😉 you can skip the morning sickness!!
That's very sad to hear. I am the same as you with the fear, but I have three children, yes I got sick, but only with the girl. Yes my kuds got tummy bugs but not very many, about twice I. Their childhood, and now I have grandchildren, who yes have had the odd tummy bug when we have been babysitting.
I know you wo t believe me, but its OK, I am still scared, but you cope.
Please try and get some therapy for this, don't let it ruin your life. X
I’ve been in therapy since I was 7 and I turn 20 at the end of December. I’m kind of starting to run out of hope that anything can help me. I’ve tried medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy. In exposure therapy, my counselor said my body was only capable of panicking for 20 minutes at a time, but I must be special because when shown a picture of v*mit or a video of someone v*miting, I hit a wall and just plateaued. It’s nice to hear you’ve been able to cope and become a mother and grandmother. Good for you! That’s a triumph. ❤️
Don't give up Katie!, ♥️
NeuronerdDoaty in reply to
Yep. I’m with you. Now that the kids are grown I don’t even gag and stuff is out.
I have had this phobia since I was little too! I think it came from being sick a lot and I have small airways so it literally felt like I was dying every time I was throwing up. I also couldn’t be near anyone who threw up and if it happened I would have a panic attack and be worried I would throw up too. It’s gotten a lot better. I still get that instant panic when I see or hear someone has thrown up but then I get over it now where as a kid I would freak out. I think going to college and seeing so many people throw up from drinking (myself a few times included) helped lol. And even now that I’m older I try hard not to throw up but I don’t let myself be scared because sometimes after I have felt better. So that’s a reassuring thought. I still get scared I’ll throw up in public and embarrass myself but that’s about it. I’ve never known anyone else to have this phobia too so it’s really cool (in the sad way) that you get it too!!
Where you used to be, is where I am now. I had a violent 10-day-long stomach illness while on vacation so I was inevitably getting sick in public and couldn’t avoid it. This led to me developing agoraphobia. I can’t leave met house. Thanks so much for your reply! It’s so hard to meet people with the same phobia. I understand you completely. Unfortunately, exposure therapy hasn’t worked for me. I’ve been sick since that 10-day-long stomach bug (very unusual for me since I went 8 straight years clean) but every time it happens it only seems to increase the anxiety. I lost half my body weight in 6 months.
Oh my goodness I’m so sorry you went through that! That sounds awful. You’re a strong person for getting through that. I completely understand why you’re scared to go out. Honestly it is the worst but it’s over quickly and most people aren’t as grossed out by it as we are. Accidents happen so I hope that reassures you when you go out. Maybe even taking an anti nausea medication would help till you get yourself comfortable out in public again. I hope you feel better!
You don’t have to feel sorry. I’m mad at myself because I feel like if I had followed my OCD’s rules better, kept cleaner, and stayed more vigilant I could’ve prevented it, so it’s my fault in a way?? Like I let it happen because I didn’t try hard enough so I deserve what I got because I didn’t protect my body to the best of my abilities even though I was.
in reply to Katie_Y
Don’t be mad at yourself. Unfortunately there are times during which it’s literally impossible to prevent illness from happening as much as people would like to think otherwise. A stomach bug can hit anyone no matter how hard one tries to avoid it.
I’m sorry that you struggle with such a phobia.
Katie_Y in reply to
Thank you very much! It’s hard to apply that logic to an irrational fear, unfortunately. I’m usually a pretty logical person but something about v*miting just terrifies me to my very core. It’s so wonderful to find a support group. My dad actually found this site for me and suggested it. I’m so happy I joined! You’re so nice.
What the phobia is can be anything. It’s a symptom. Why do you think your brain picked vomiting? If you have a therapist or can get one that does EMDR you might get some help with that.
Best of luck to you
Doaty
I don’t exactly believe my brain “chose” this phobia. I’m scared of lots of things (i.e. spiders, clowns, falling from a great height) but this is my primary, all-consuming fear. One interesting fact is that my dad had the same phobia of v*miting as a child so part of me wonders if I was genetically predisposed. However, his phobia didn’t last and he grew out of it. I’m turning 20 in December and I’ve only grown more scared of it as time passes.
Hello Katie_Y and welcome to this HealthUnlocked forum! I think you'll find lots of folks here with emetophobia, including myself. I've had the phobia since I was a young child, going on for about forty years now. It may sound weird, but, at this point, it's a part of my identity -- just another aspect of who I am.
Thank you for the warm welcome, Mr. Monk! I’m sorry you’ve suffered this awful phobia for around forty years. You must be around my dad’s age! He was terrified of throwing up when he was little, too. I didn’t know he used to have the same phobia until my Grammie confided in me.
Hi Katie-Y. My 9 year old grand daughter has this very same phobia, it's intense for her. You can't say anything that has to do with it around her, and she cringes at TV or a movie that has it in it, I think one of the "Problem Child" movies has a scene in it where someone causes a ride at a carnival to go top speed making everybody sick, she won't watch that part, she'll run out of the room, covering her ears. Her older sister "devils" her a lot about it, she has a real fear.
I’m the same way! If someone does the V word on TV I immediately run out of the room and have a panic attack. If I read a book that has a v*miting scene in it, I will literally throw it out using gloves because I feel like the book is tainted and I’ll somehow absorb the sickness through the book. It’s not a fun phobia, especially since it’s everywhere. I’m so sorry your granddaughter has it. One thing I can say, is that my brother never teased me about it. My parents schooled him in how to handle me. They joke now that he “speaks Katie” and he’s “the Katie whisperer”. I wish I could give some advice but it’s a tough fear to avoid. My mom can usually tell when a v*miting scene is coming up and makes “la la la” noises while I cover my ears. There is also an app you can get to search for your specific phobia in movies. It’ll tell you if there’s v*miting in certain movies so you know not to watch those.
Hi Katie. I replied in a different post before reading all your replies and I now see it's more serious than just a fear of vomiting. Anytime I feel really nauseous and my anxiety level goes way up, I take a Xanax and I'm fine. You don't want to do this every day, but it is very helpful in the short term while you train your brain and mind. If the nausea goes away after taking the Xanax, then you know it's just anxiety, so the next time it happens you just tell yourself it's anxiety. Once you know it's anxiety and not something like food poisoning, etc and you are not going to throw up, you will calm down. Have you heard of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne? It's really great and I recommend it to everyone who has phobias and/or anxiety. Long term for debilitating anxiety, try one of the drugs suggested by others in posts - Paxil, Prozac, Lezapro, etc. with CBT. And I always have Xanax for when my anxiety gets out of control. I believe Ativan works the same way.
I have the same thing Katie. For as long as I can remember. It’s the focus of my anxiety attacks.
Me too! Especially when it comes on TV really unexpectedly or graphically. Or even worse, you see someone do it in person. *shudders* I’ve found a system with panic attacks. I usually get way overheated, so I put a cool cloth on the back of my neck, an ice pack on my head, and go to my mom.
My phobia has gotten better with age in terms of being able to see it happen in movies. But it was so bad when I was in elementary school that no one could even say the word “throw up” without upsetting me. All of my present anxiety is focused on the fear of throwing up. I was on Lexapro to manage anxiety for about 10 years but stopped taking it this past Spring due to the irregular heartbeat I developed. Before the meds I managed anxiety attacks with Ativan only as needed. I also had years without attacks. Now I am in peri menopause so anxiety is an issue. Everyone experiences anxiety and panic attacks differently and how we cope with them is as individual as we are. Breathing through it helps along with finding a distraction, whether it’s doing a chore, watching or listening to something, or what you are doing in the moment. I am an Acupuncturist and sometimes I will put a few needles in and that will calm down my nervous system.
I have this fear. Always have, I've actually gotten worse with age unfortunately. I'm positive its the root to all my panic attacks & anxiety.
Me too! Everyone thought I would grow out of it but no amount of therapy has lessened it. I’ve only gotten worse with more eating restrictions and an inability to cope with the slightest twinge in my stomach.
Same. It affects every part of my life. I rarely leave my house and sometimes will go without eating. I have the most irrational thoughts too because of it. I don't like restaurants because somehow food relates to people throwing up. Or fairs & carnivals because rides make people throw up. I don't like being in the car because its possible to get car sick which will lead to vomiting. Its ridiculous, & I know it, but I can't help thinking this way.
Yes!! I have felt this my whole life, up until recently. Having many nausea and vomiting attacks (sensitive stomach).
I recently (last week), took vitamins on an empty stomach and had to get my partner to pull over on my way to work. My body expelled what it had to and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I have now learned to trust what my body is doing.
The extreme nausea and cold throat before hand is actually much, much worse than what actually happens when the body finally does reject.
I totally understand what you’re going through, I am the exact same way. I used to think that I was alone with this but I’m starting to find out a lot of people suffer from this phobia. I’m slowly working through it but it’s tough. I’m here for you if you need someone to talk to, you’re not alone ❤️
Thank you so much! You’re definitely not alone. I thought I was alone and woke up to 15 notifications!
Hi Katie_Y I am sorry that you have been through a lot. I have seen all type of fears in my life. More common are heights, snakes, spiders etc. I will tell you things that u will like to hear others u will not ( I am sorry in advance but I prefer honesty 
1) any fear let's say traumatic ( or not) is recorded in one small part of the brain called amygdala ( and hypocampus) responsible by our short and long term memory . One day I felt unwell on a bus and vomited ( it was embarrassing) so I spent like 1 year avoiding buses and went recluse ( not leaving my house not even for a coffee- I feed my fear). Why? We know it is silly but why we do it? Our brain recorded that information as "dangerous" because we experienced unpleasant feelings after that. That's who we are ...we are human beings. Bear in mind that the amygdala and hypocampus etc are there to make sure we survive. During a long time we needed this "fear anxiety and panic" to survive predators like lions, wolves ( and any other who could kill us). Thanks to those fears, anxiety etc we could evolve , fight or run our predators and survive. Now in 21 century we are the number 1 species, we have rockets in the skies, and basically we have no predators anymore ( at least not like 500 years ago) . But they are still important. Imagine you are on a street and you see a dark valley, the amygdala will tell you "not a good idea" . But you go anyway and you hear steps behind you. You will get anxious ( in truth is your body preparing to fight or run. Your heart beat faster because you will need more oxygen, and your blood will run faster to your muscles so you can fight or run. Your adrenaline will increase also.) Our brain does this to protect us to help us survive. I know what you are thinking. "Great but how that can help me?". First it helps you understand why. Now let's talk about your fear, vomiting. Yes it is unpleasant, the smell, etc. But your body and brain do that to help you. Think vomiting like diarrhea, sometimes it happens because our body feels intoxicated ( ex: if you eat 6 or 7 oranges straight you will or vomit or have diarrhea or both) and there is 2 exit up or down. I hate vomiting but we all had that feeling of getting so drunk that our body says "enough" and expelled everything out. You need to understand that in the future it might happen again or not. Now what can we do about it. OCD, anxiety, panic, depression are all related. First, book and appointment with a psychiatrist ( don't fear they are the best professionals for OCD, anxiety etc). You will be prescribed antidepressants and possibly benzos. They will push you to go out and do the normal things (job, study, go out, shopping etc). Your symptoms will vanish in 1-2 weeks. You are too young ( with all respect for old people) to stay recluse in your home. 2) consider therapy and CBT also to understand better your fear and how to deal with it when you need.
3) if you have to vomit again let it happen I assure you that the feeling will be bad but you probably will think " this was bad and unpleasant but not has bad as I thought" .Finally, you have the world for you, to have fun, to enjoy ...none of us was made to be recluse. Do that for you ..be a bit selfish for you and to improve quickly (I know you will) . Treat yourself like a queen. I am a mental health professional with fears, anxiety, depression, OCD, panic attacks etc. and the best thing I did was ask for help ( psychiatrist) . After 20 years I don't regret it. I did some degrees in university, I work, I have kids, wife, etc I am not cured but happy enough to live. Its up to you Katie. It is in your hands. Keep me updated please. Ps: most of the patients I had with your OCD etc recovered completely. Hope you get better soon. PS2: sorry for the English and huge test
I’ve actually participated in cognitive behavioral therapy since I was 7 and know all that information. I’m training to become a psychologist, and I’ve been to numerous psychologists, therapists, counselors, etc. I’m going to be 20 this December and not one single thing has improved. It never took hold and I plateaued at around age 14 and was never able to drop my anxiety levels despite using the recommended coping skills. CBT and exposures just didn’t work for me.
I’ve gone to both a therapist and psychiatrist since my diagnosis at 7 years old.
And how you find it? Any improvements?
Honestly, it’s only gotten worse.
Have u practice what you have learned in CBT? I don't have enough info but knowing is good, practicing even better. Have you considered changing meds? Paroxetine is one of the best for OCD, phobias, etc.
How you study ? Online or u go to classes? Tks for your reply
We practiced for years and years and years and it only ever made the fear worse. I hit a wall and could not progress on my hierarchy. What’s worse is that the panic lingered long after my practice session ended. My old counselor actually gave up on me as a lost cause. I had a therapist after that, but it was in vain. Then, my family moved away and I got a psychologist and a psychiatrist. I’ve been on meds since my diagnosis at 7. I’ve been on just about everything. Is Paroxetine the name brand or the off brand? That’s one I’ve never heard of. I’m currently on the max dose of Luvox. Xanax Extended Release, Olanzapine, and Clomipramine.
Paroxetine is also known as Paxil or Paxetil it is an antidepressant. 15 years ago it was the best for phobias, social anxiety etc. And still is but the good news for you is that meds are today even better than 20 years ago. Talk to your psychiatrist. There is no such thing as "lost cause". I have friends who can do a normal life ( one of them has a fear of death of pigeons ) and where we live we have lots of them. You are not a lost cause. Of your therapist told you that , he or she should have had a complaint. It is their duty to support. If the meds are not doing a thing talk with your psychiatrist (usually the antidepressants kick in between 1-12 weeks). Maybe there is something better today than Paroxetine but it was that one that "cured" my phobias and social anxiety. He is also.very good for specific phobias ( like yours) . Again talk with your psychiatrist. If CBT didn't help stop doing it. Consider also exercise: last research have shown that regular exercise ( walking, running, swimming ) is as effective as antidepressants and that both of them increase exponentially your recovery. Other options are yoga, music etc. Remember in the end of the day you know better yourself than anyone else. What works for others might not be what works for you and that what makes us special and unique.
I forgot to mention that I have worked in my life with people with depression, severe anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar, borderline ...pretty much any of them. You have 1000 solutions the problem is that when we are struggling a lot we believe there is no solution ( I know because I have felt that way). What do you like? Painting , music, art, sport? Maybe the therapist you had not even know your passions and strengths. Do you have a soulmate? Are you in love ? I ask this because again I have seen miracles when people fall in love. You can't possibly imagine what that does to your body. I will spare you the details but biologically your body , brain, immune system achieve perfection . Scientists have no idea why but the changes for better are a sure thing , studied, measured and validated.
No, no. “No time for love, Dr. Jones” as Short Round would say. I have never been in love, nor do I plan on it. I find the idea of being in a romantic relationship uncomfortable and disgusting. (No offense). I am very, very, VERY asexual and want nothing to do with romancing other people. I am passionate about writing, however, and have published two novels. A v*miting episode has me in a 3-year slump. I used to write one or two novels a year and now I feel like my brain is completely blocked. I definitely have a fear of failure and not being good enough. I was in a really bad spot with another person that my mom described as “mentally raping” me and “verbal abuse”. I got out before it escalated too far but in my mom’s eyes, I still act like a domestic abuse victim.
I understand that. Nothing wrong in being assexual though. Maybe you could go back to your writing, doing it nice and slowly and / or when it feels like. I hope you recover soon
I have been struggling with that fear of vomiting since I was 5. I understand what you mean when you say you’d rather die. It is a struggle for sure.
I don’t know how you feel about horror movies, but if I was in Saw and I had to saw my own leg off or risk v*miting, I’d saw my own leg off. Hell, I’d saw them both off just to be safe 😂❤️ It’s such a constant battle. I’m here to talk if you feel like messaging me. I’m a good listener.
This is more common than you think and I was surprised at the number of males who suffer with this. It is a recognised mental disorder Emitophobia. I have had it since a child. My mother said I would grow out of it once I had a baby but I never have. I am also phobic about other people throwing up. There is actually a group on Facebook specifically for this, so you are not alone. Imagine what it was like working in London at Christmas time and travelling on the underground with all the disgusting drunks about.
I read this but I am too old now and not a hypnotic subject I was told. Just try not to worry about it, I guess it is a form of OCD.
"Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you confront your fears and replace your negative thoughts regarding vomiting. Hypnosis and relaxation techniques can help to reduce the feelings and symptoms of anxiety. Medications may be indicated in some cases"
What is that facebook group, can you give a link, please?
I’m about the same. It’s so serious I went to the emergency room once because I felt nauseous. After the bill came I laughed at myself. 😂 I don’t fear others vomiting but when it comes to me I freak out.
Hi Katie. I also have an intense fear of vomiting and it has a name - Emetophobia. I am 69 and I haven't vomited since I was 38 and prior to that I was 22. I can remember only 3 times in my life when I have vomited. I do anything to keep from vomiting, even when I get a stomach flu. Fortunately, I never felt like vomiting during my two pregnancies. If you want to learn more about the phobia, just google it. Quite frankly, I don't think it's anything to be overly concerned about. If your body needs to expel something (I had ptomaine poisoning when I was 38) it's going to happen anyway and you'll feel a lot better. Still, I find it terrifying.
I have it, but it's getting better. If you really want to expose yourself, try eating something really spicy and eat it until you start to feel sick. You're body will make you v****, as it's unavoidable. I did this on accident, and ever since, my fear of throwing up has gone way down because I did it and realized it wasn't as bad as I feared it would be (even if it wasn't fun still). I also find it helps to watch YouTube videos. Start with being able to read the word without panicking, then move up to cartoons, then babies spitting up, then someone doing it a little until you get to somebody doing the projectile. Over time, the videos become less shocking as you get used to them. I still startle when someone does it on TV, but I don't feel the need to run away from the TV anymore, and I know that, if I absolutely need to do it, it sucks, but the anticipation is often worse than the reality.
Yes!!! I have it too since I was 7, so...21 years and counting :/
Back then I refused to eat and lost so much wait my life was in danger. I had (and still have) many lack of vitamins and other problems due to it.
It got better, however the phobia never went away. I tried everything I could but still having it.
Very unusual where I live, so it is a bit releaving to see all these comments
I have the same fear. About 5 years ago I got some awful kind of illness. I was ill for at least a week. The first day I spent nearly 8 hours straight being sick. I was in so much pain. Since then I've been absolutely terrified of being sick. I too became agoraphobic because of this. The fear of catching anything was so high. If I even hear anyone else being sick it makes me have a panic attack. After that, I spent every day for about 2 years feeling gradually more sick each day. Turns out I had damaged the muscle above the stomach that keeps food down. Since then I have been taking (prescribed) sickness medication everyday. It helps me feel a lot better, but the fear is still there. I try to stay positive. Every time I have to leave the house for an appointment, a few days later, I remember to be like "hey look, you went outside and you didn't catch anything, you're okay" to myself. My doctor recommended therapy to me, seen as it's trauma related. The only advice I could give would be to see a doctor about it so that eventually you can find what works for you and live an anxiety free life. I hope you're doing well. ❤️
As I said to Katie yesterday this is a very common recognised mental disorder and there is a group on facebook for support facebook.com/groups/7322420...
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