Emetophobia

[Daniiabovethestigma]

Hi,

I thought it would try out a support group since I can’t seem to get relief elsewhere. Does anyone here struggle with severe emetophobia? I have always not liked getting sick but it never controlled me until 3 years ago and now I cannot do anything. Car rides, eating out, eating at home, sleep it is invading my entire life. I have always struggled with generalized anxiety disorder but never a phobia that is so strong it takes over. I would love to know I’m not alone and see what you guys got as relief.

[mrmonk]

Hi Daniiabovethestigma, welcome to this HealthUnlocked forum! I have had emetophobia for well over forty years, and I can tell you that you are definitely not alone. For me, it was most severe when I was a young child; I stopped eating and had to be hospitalized.

As far as relief, I have my own coping strategies, which most might consider maladaptive, but they work for me -- mostly avoiding triggers, availing myself of certain creature comforts, and anti-emetic medications.

For me, I very quickly accepted early on that the phobia was a part of me and I would navigate life accommodating it as long as it didn't stop me from doing something I really wanted to do. I guess I view it as a strange sort of partnership.

Since your phobia developed later in life, I understand your experience must be quite different, but please know there are folks here who can relate and are here to listen if you wish to share more about your struggle.

Take care and be well.

[Hb2003]

I do understand what your going through 🙏 i am so sorry that your going through this it is really tough i bet . Lots of kindness and support ❤️

[Nothing_but_books]

"never a phobia that is so strong it takes over"

I can't eat. I can't think about food. I can't plan meals, discuss meals, or any part of it. I was so far gone I had lost a critical amount of weight. The doctors weren't helping me.

A friend on our forum suggested a work around for me. Ensure. A way for me to get calories anytime I needed them without the angst. It saved me.

Anxiety does terrible things to us. But with help and understanding, there are work-arounds.

[Daniiabovethestigma]

it is so comforting in a weird way knowing that I am not the only one. I am hoping I can soon find relief in some way so I can enjoy life again without the struggles. I have three young children and having this phobia is debilitating

[SayNOtoPanic]

I’ve heard about this from a support group. So sorry you are going through it. Prayers up hang in there. Would it be ok to share a link to some support info about it?

[AnxiousSilver]

I don't have "emetophobia", but I most certainly have, "generalized anxiety disorder" (along with panic attacks & depression.

You are most certainly not alone with the latter.

.

Finally, I want to welcome you to this group.

This is a safe and supportive community.

[Regina48]

I have it. Unfortunately, it's ruled my life for over 40 years. I'd advise you to find a therapist who specializes in phobias and OCD.

[petarpfc]

I was feeling increasingly frustrated with my emetophobia as it caused me to experience extreme paranoia and prevented me from enjoying activities that I would otherwise love.

For example, while I loved going to concerts, the mere possibility of someone getting sick due to alcohol consumption on the way or during the event would fill me with anxiety.

I stopped attending parties altogether as I was afraid people might get sick after drinking, which led to me losing most of my friends.

Even if someone expressed slight nausea, it was difficult for me to be around them.

I couldn't watch movies without someone reviewing them first, and I stopped going to cinemas, despite my passion for film.

I don't like therapies etc, so for my birthday I got an online course and gave it a try, despite having little hope.

To my surprise, I noticed positive changes in myself after completing the initial steps of the program.

One day I caght myself thinking that the whole day literally passed without any anxiety. That's a huge step for me.

UPDATE: definitely has a positive impact on me (fearofvomit.info), my recommendation

[Hidden]

I have debilitating emetophobia and I've had it for 25 or some odd years. It's terrible, I fight it everyday. I don't eat anywhere near what i should. I avoid going anywhere in fear of someone getting sick. I haven't left my house in 5 months because of it. About 2 months ago, my therapist mentioned exposure therapy. I tried it for awhile and it helped but it's very hard work so, I stopped. But it's not impossible. Look into it, you never know. Sending love and light.