Emetophobia

independent_

I know this might be a strange question to ask but does anyone else struggle a lot with emetophobia (i.e. the fear of vomiting and other people vomiting). If you do how do you cope with it? I guess even if you don’t how do you cope when you feel really anxious?

This is something I’ve struggled with since I was about 11 and people being sick near me makes me really really anxious. So for example like tonight if someone in my house isn’t well I’m useless because all I’m doing is panicking  

Former Member

I can really relate to that.
I don't struggle that much however I do get the intense wave of fear before throwing up and I do my best not to.

My brother has it big time.
He will not eat food if he's unsure how many days it's been open.
Stays away from fish. Cooks his food for longer to make sure it's done.

Everything he can to avoid getting ill he will do but he is happy with that.

If someone else is sick he normally puts his headphones in and drowns it out. Sometimes he can breathe deep, stay calm and be there for someone.

When actually sick, things to settle your starch is good you know ginger or peppermint. 
And just deep breaths. But don't beat yourself up it's really hard and I'm sure those around you will understand x

Past User

Hey @independent_

I don’t struggle with emetophobia but I do know a few people who do. An estimated 6-7% of females struggle with emetaphobia and 1-3% of males. I know that doesn’t make it any easier I just wanted to say you’re certainly not alone.
 

We all have our own little fears and struggles, don’t beat yourself up your only human. And like Laine said I’m sure the people around you understand. Also like Laine said ginger is brilliant for when you’re feeling sick, a friend of mine always used to carry around ginger biscuits especially if she was going on a bus or boat. Music helps too and so can fiddling with something, my mum used to tell me to hold a penny and twiddle it, the movement can help distract your mind.

 Sorry this wasn’t much help, hope you have a wonderful day 

Siena

Heya @independent_

that does sound awful 

when I was younger I had a massive fear of sick. If someone was sick in the house I would be sick. Even if it was because they had a hang over which I obviously didn’t catch. And when someone was ill from a bug or something I would be really scared about bacteria and didn’t want to catch  anything and I would not go anywhere near the toilet until I really had to because of someone was sick in there. And when I did go in I would cover my mouth & nose and just feel really sick. I didn’t really cope with it. It was just what it was really cause was young

. Didn’t really know what to do. But I guess there are way around it. Ways to reduce your anxiety. Like think about why does it make you anxious? Are you scared it’s a bug and you don’t want to catch it? Or is it jusy because it’s a bit gross and horrible ? Do you have ways in which you reduce your anxiety in general that you can use for this? Or can think of any ways ? Maybe Like mindfulness. ?

I’m not bothered by sick anymore. I think it’s because I’ve been ill so many times I’ve gotten used to it myself. Most of it being self inflicted and so other people’s doesn’t bother me. 

independent_

Thank you so much everyone @Past User, @SpaceOtter and @Shaunie the advice and support is much appreciated. 

I think for me it centres around the fact that if someone's being sick they're ill and I worry what could be wrong with them, maybe that I could catch whatever it is or that there's something really serious wrong with them (irrational I know). Then I feel bad because I panic so much that I struggle to be there for the person and I hate not being there for someone when they're struggling.

Past User

Hey, I think that shows what an amazing compassionate caring person you are. But I understand completely how it can feel frustrating. 

We can’t always be there for everyone or support them in the way we want to. But I’m sure you can support them in other ways, just like how your kind words on here support so many people.

I don’t think it’s necessarily  irrational, it’s understandable to be worried about the people we care about.

I’m sorry if any of this came across patronising or rude. I’m always here to listen if you ever need someone to talk to. Have a very happy day 

Kesh260807

independent_ said:

I know this might be a strange question to ask but does anyone else struggle a lot with emetophobia (i.e. the fear of vomiting and other people vomiting). If you do how do you cope with it? I guess even if you don’t how do you cope when you feel really anxious?

This is something I’ve struggled with since I was about 11 and people being sick near me makes me really really anxious. So for example like tonight if someone in my house isn’t well I’m useless because all I’m doing is panicking  

i dont nessecarlly have this i am very travel sick aswell as prone to getting sick by triggers like smell or some foods i know my sister when i get travel sick doesnt really like it becuase it makes her feel weird and tells me to stop. when someone is getting sick i recomend looking away as try think or do something else but please dont tell anyone to stop (not saying you are doing this) it can upset becuase it is not nessecarly there fault 

for getting sick yourself if your aware of the feeling before throwing up try some mints or just try breathe if in a car try opening the window or have mints again 

hope this helps

Kesh260807

Kesh260807 said:

independent_ said:

I know this might be a strange question to ask but does anyone else struggle a lot with emetophobia (i.e. the fear of vomiting and other people vomiting). If you do how do you cope with it? I guess even if you don’t how do you cope when you feel really anxious?

This is something I’ve struggled with since I was about 11 and people being sick near me makes me really really anxious. So for example like tonight if someone in my house isn’t well I’m useless because all I’m doing is panicking  

i dont nessecarlly have this i am very travel sick aswell as prone to getting sick by triggers like smell or some foods i know my sister when i get travel sick doesnt really like it becuase it makes her feel weird and tells me to stop. when someone is getting sick i recomend looking away as try think or do something else but please dont tell anyone to stop (not saying you are doing this) it can upset becuase it is not nessecarly there fault 

for getting sick yourself if your aware of the feeling before throwing up try some mints or just try breathe if in a car try opening the window or have mints again 

hope this helps

i alsi wanted to add dont feel your doing something wrong i know whenever someone else is sick i get sick as well it can be really hard luckily this doesnt happen that often but if your afraid of getting ill proably do somethings such as wearing a coat in cold weather to prevent remember you cant alway prevent illness but there is always mediences to help you it is really hard and well done for being strong xx

Former Member

im so bad with sick its horrible
ive struggles for years since every year my family does long car journeys to Wales. i dont get carsick so i dont have a problem, but it makes me so anxious as i cant tell how anyone else is feeling. its got to a point now where its affecting my diet, which is not so good but i cant help it if i dont know how long a piece of food has been open for, i will refuse to have it. it hurts me to do that since its such a waste of food and money but i truly cant help it.
we're all in this together:)