Emetophobia - anyone else suffer with this?

[GemmaC1990]

I suffer with emetophobia and I'm actually so ashamed of myself. This whole illness consumes me. I spend the whole of winter worrying if I'm going to catch a sickness bug because of my fear of vomiting. As bad as this sounds I feel like when my daughter is sick I get in such a panic and I let her dad deal with her, like I run away from her. I caught a bug from her last year and I just constantly worry. I'm hoping to get some sort of medical help for it because I can't go on like this. Kids need their mum when they're Ill and I should have a different attitude towards it but it just consumes me. Does anyone else suffer with this or is it just silly little me?

Nope, not just you.

It is really common, must be horrible to suffer. Have you seen www.emetophobiaresource.org? CBT can be effective - you have to step by step start facing your fear, at the lowest level, until you can face that step easily, and gradually give up any safety behaviours and eliminate avoidance of situations. NOT all at once, and with some things to support you, but it is the way forward.

I didn't know about that, thanks will give it a go. I know no one likes vomiting but most people just deal with it and move on. But me I worry about it constantly. My daughter is complaining about a tummy ache now and I can't stop worrying. I want to put an end to this part of my life! It's so hard to live with.

I had emetophobia from the age of 6 until I found a cure when I was 81. I felt ashamed, stupid, gave up my teaching job as young children would come up to me and be sick, refused chemotherapy when I had ovarian cancer in 1981, would not have children because of the possibility of morning sickness. My whole life was limited in so many ways. I had all kinds of treatments - none of which did any good. Then I found a website: www.emetophobia.co.uk and bought Rob Kelly's book "Cure your emetophobia and Thrive". It was hard work, but very easy to understand. I thoroughly recommend this book - it really was a miracle for me. Check the website and watch Rob Kelly's video. Don't waste your life like I did!

Yep, another one here. The worry, fear and panic is constant and debilitating.
I'm currently working through Thrive (as mentioned above) but it's not yet working, well I'm not putting enough effort in!! Xx

Hi Ames33 - I didn't find Thrive 'easy'. At one stage I almost gave up, but luckily I decided to start the book again from the beginning. and take it slowly. However, if you read the reviews lots of people worked alone AND found it easy.

If I could help you in some way I'd love to have a chat with you (don't panic - I'm just a recovered emetophobe - not out to try to make money from my late misery!). I live in Braintree in Essex - where do you live?

At this stage I don't want to put my email address or phone number here as you don't know who might see it and even use it. Maybe we can find a way to link up - if you'd like to.

That would be great! Yes, I've tried doing it twice, and now with a consultant and I'm still struggling but am definitely seeing improvements in other areas of my anxiety!
I live up in Derbyshire, but would love to link up with you. I'm not sure if there is a way to private message on here? Xx

Wombat I seen your video on that website and you inspired me I'm ordering the book. Emetophobic consumes me and it is a constant source of stress and anxiety and with two small children that's all the time! I just don't want to keep going with this. I have been terrible lately as I haven't been feeling well for a while with stomach problems and migraines. I will work my way through the book and I hope I can post my progress one day!

You can message each other through here, just next to the post it says message poster.

I'm on mobile so can't see the private message thing!!
You totally will do it! 2 small children, well done you! This phobia has forced me to stop at one and am barely coping with just him 😞
We will crack it together! Xx

Thanks Twopeapods (what a great name) I'll do that.

As someone who has successfully worked through the book "Cure Your Emetophobia and Thrive" I'd like to add some comments that may be helpful to others:

Don't assume it will be easy - this can lead you to be dejected and give up. It's easy for some and difficult for others.

You have to work through the entire book and carry out all the exercises - even bits you think don't apply to you, or you think are stupid. Just missing one thing could mean you won't get better.

Don't rush through the book, try to do a steady amount of work every day. And be ready to work through the book a second time if you are not completely 'cured' first time round.

Probably several of you are trying different ways of coping - whatever you're doing you are not alone. There are, apparently, lots of folk stuck with this horrible problem.

I'm happy to answer questions - if I can.

Another emetephobe here.

to all suffering from such a debilitating and terrifying phobia. I hate it.

I am awaiting a psychiatric assessment- I finally plucked up the courage to visit my gp this week. This phobia has been with me since I was a child. I have mental health issues as a result of it.

to all.