DD(10) showing signs of emetaphobia? What can I do?

[NorbertDentressangle]

For the last couple of years I've noticed DD getting upset if someone is retching, choking or vomiting. Its gradually been getting worse.

Tonight, DS woke up coughing so badly he was nearly sick (sounds quite croupy but that's a whole new thread -I'm having a bad evening! Aargh!). I was with him trying to calm him down whilst holding the strategic plastic bin just in case and I can hear DD crying and calling me.

By the time I've calmed DS, got him back in to bed and get to DD she is sobbing and shaking because of hearing the retching noises.

She can't explain why she's scared about it, she's never had a bad experience related to vomiting and, to my knowledge, she's not seen anyone reacting badly to someone vomiting.

What can I do to help? What can she do?

D'oh! It would help if I spelt it right I guess...emetophobia

Thanks for that info Pixie. I'll take a look at the links properly in a bit.

I had a brief chat with her this morning. She says she doesn't know why she feels scared when others are being sick, she says she can't remember the last time she was sick (which suggests to me that it probably wasn't triggered by that as surely she would remember it otherwise??). I asked if she was worried that she was going to be sick but she didn't think she was.

I lay in bed thinking about it all last night and the last time she was sick was in a friends parents car, they were on their way to the cinema but had to turn round and bring DD back -I wondered if that might be the root of it?

I also realised that she has since turned down the offer of trips out with friends if it has involved long journeys -that concerns me as from reading about emetophobia last night it seems that picking and choosing what you do around the likelihood of being sick is a big indicator. Similarly, if she ever gets tummy ache or feels nauseous she gets very upset -another indicator.

I think I've decided to see the GP as I want to nip this in the bud if possible. I presume its best to go on my own and discuss my concerns without DD there?

bumping in case there's anyone else around with experience

My DD 10 suffers from this. We were referred to CAHMS through our school nurse. We involved her (school nurse) as DD was scared to go to school in case someone was sick. She also was not eating much at school in case she was. We had some upset first thing in the morning and sometimes during the day. She had about 7 sessions one to one which gave her coping strategies and they were keen to sign her off. Unfortunalely she still suffers (although eating much better and not worried about school)and I find it really frustrating for her and me. Dd's problems are worse at bedtime where she thinks she will be ill in the night and seeks reassurance constantly at bed time that she won't. If her sister is sick she reacts like your DD by going to her room, hands over the ears and crying and shaking. I think it is worth getting referred though as leaving it will definately not go away on it's own.

Sorry about lack of paragraphs

Thanks for sharing your experiences Meg.

I'm sorry that it sounds as if your DD is still very much affected by it. Do you know what actually triggered it? Was it a specific event?

It never occurred to me to speak to the school nurse although, saying that, I have no idea who it is as she only briefly visits once in a blue-moon.

I'll go to the GP I think as they are pretty good at our practice.

Thanks again

I have suffered with emetophobia for the majority of my life For me it started age 4 with a tummy bug - the experience seemed to colour my perception of being sick

It does sounds as though your daughter may be heading down that road so would definatley recommend taking her to a sympathetic doctor who can refer her

With regards to your daughter, all you can do is continue to reassure her, anxiety is awful

Thanks for responding Lemonadegirl.

Have you had any help with it?