MY PHOBIA STORY - Emetophobia + Therapy
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- *Contains Triggers, but I'd recommend you watch if you're suffering with the same phobia.
It's taken me 3 years to build up the courage to film this so I really hope it helps some of you who suffer with the same phobia.
I know it sounds like a silly thing to be so petrified about but this phobia has controlled every aspect of the last 12 years of my life. I also know it's really irrational but in my head. I hope I don't get judged for making this video!
Intro + What my phobia is: 0:08
How it has controlled my life: 2:39
Relationships: 7:13
How I got my phobia: 13:12
Therapy: 16:11
How I am now: 23:13
I forgot to mention in the video but I'm also very cautious with food, especially chicken, egg and some red meats when eating out (fine at home because I pretty much overcook everything to compensate)!
Emetophobia Thrive Book:
fave.co/2isiyrW
Great UA-cam channel for overcoming Emetophobia: fave.co/2iuMVxM
Instagram: / katesnooks
Blog: www.katiesbeaut...
Twitter: / katesnooks
My Depop: www.depop.com/...
I have been terrified of throwing up for as long as i can remember. For me, I'm most afraid of throwing up myself, especially when it's from a stomach flu. I have only had the stomach flu like 3-4 times in my lifetime (I'm 19), but I remember when I got it as a child and since then a couple of years later I was anxious going to bed because I started feeling sick at night and threw up in the late night/early morning. So everytime I went to bed after that I was really scared of feeling sick again and throwing up. When I got older I wasn't as scared of it anymore, because I hadn't been sick for many years, but when I got the stomach flu again it was the same thing (felt sick in the evening, woke up to throw up in the late night/early morning). Everytime I have been throwing up in my life it has been at like 4-5 am and the evening before, my body had felt weird. So from then, if I just get a little stomach ache or feel weird in my body, especially my stomach area, I think I am going to be sick which makes me really anxious.
I remember one sunday night where I was eating some gummy bears and out of nowhere I just burped (I had never burped before that, because I have never been abled to). This got me in full panic as I tasted some gastric acid in my mouth, which made me think I was going to throw up. I ran to the bathroom and sat by the toilet, but I never threw up or even had a gag reflex. But there I sat in the bathroom by the toilet for the *entire* night and morning. All of that just because I burped. Of course I never ate gummy bears ever again either.
My fear got worse when I was about 16 though and I had a couple of panic/anxiety attacks because I started feeling sick and my stomach started hurting. It was the same feeling I had when I was sick for real so I was extremely scared. I ran downstairs and said to my mom that I felt sick and my body was shaking, my heart beat raising, my stomach was hurting even more, I felt that I could throw up at any time and all I could do was stand up and trying to breath. I couldn't even dare to sit down because I thought that if I sit down, I will throw up. Like 3 hours later I finally started feeling better and I could drink and eat something, but I went straight to my parents bed and laid there all exhausted the whole next day and I barely did anything the next few days because my body was so tired.
Another time, this spring, I went to a party for graduation students at my high school at a club and because I also have social anxiety I thought that I would drink quite a lot of alcohol before and I went (the legal drinking age in my country is 18 btw). The problem was that my stomach started hurting because I drank too fast and because I get bloated from carbonated drinks so when we got to the club we went to the bathroom and I started having a panic attack once again. I also think I dissociated because everything felt unreal and foggy (worse because of the alcohol of course also). I did have some gag reflexes, but nothing came out. After that I sat down with my friend on a couch but everything still felt unreal and I didn't even care about how I looked or anything. I felt kind of detached from reality, which was kind of nice since my social anxiety would have really bad otherwise. People even said to me in school after this that I looked totally out of it and I can imagine I must have looked extremely drunk when in reality my mind was as clear as always (apart from the dissociation). This experience made me really scared of drinking though. I drank a lot of alcohol one time when I was 15 with some friends, but back then I never felt sick at all, but my friends were womiting a few times that night. Because I was drunk I wasn't as scared as usual but I did have a panic feeling when they said they had to throw up so I went far away from them everytime. I drank less now that I was/am 19, but felt really sick, which is weird, but I think it was mostly psychological. I associate alcohol with being sick so I kind of made myself sick. Now I barely dare to drink one drink or even a cider, because even the slightest feeling of being tipsy makes me really anxious and I think I am going to be sick.
No one will probably read all this, but I felt like sharing.
I want to share another experience too:
When I was 15 I went to a amusement park and went one of the rides. When I sat down and pulled down the safety thing over me I saw some liquid on it right infront of me and my shirt was touching it. In reality I knew it was throw up, but there and then I was so scared that I started telling myself in my head that it was only saliva. I told my friend and started realising that it was in fact throw up, but because I have social anxiety I didn't dare to tell one of the workers there so I went the whole ride and when it was done I walked off and had a lot of anxiety. My shirt did also have some throw up on it when I stepped off the ride so I did wipe it off of course, but I still went on with the day knowing that I had throw up residues on my shirt... I was extremely uncomfortable and anxious, but never paniced because if I would then I would probably think I was going to be sick myself. Since then I haven't gone on any rides apart from some really slow ones, but now I would never go to an amusement park because of either seeing someone else being sick, or myself feeling sick from going on rides.
Thanks for sharing, these experiences sound very familiar to me
can relstee
I completely relate. this happens almost every day for me. I have panic attacks from burping or acid reflux. anything about making my stomach uncomfortable makes me feel I'm going to throwup which cause major panic attacks and sitting in a quiet place for an hour or so. its horrible
I read the whole thing. It's nice t9 know some people are as scared as you.
Katie, I can’t even put into words how much I can relate to this. I’ve never sat and listened to someone explain my fear so well.
I have had emetophobia for as long as I can remember, it is something I have had to battle with daily, it controls my whole life. Instead of facing my fears I find myself avoiding any situation that may involve it. Some day I hope that I can find the courage to start working on overcoming it.
This is me. I cannot believe I'm not actually insane.
It's a relief to see what is happening, and that there are ways to help yourself.
Having emetophobia has really prevented me to do fun things with my friends (like going to amusement parks, being in cars with friends). I really hope to get over this phobia.
I got very emotional watching this. It made it more real for me. I'm only 16 and have had emetophobia for 6 years. It's draining! I'm not very lucky in the sense that my friends and family don't understand how bad it is. I just want to say thank you Katie. You have reassured me that emetophobia is a thing and that it can get better. Love you xx
This video made me so emotional. This phobia is a massive part of my life which I feel like no one else understands. My social life has been impacted so much because I find nights out/places with a lot of people so hard to be in because I also scan all crowds to see who looks a bit odd. It's on the forefront of my mind all the time and I find relationships really difficult for the same reasons too. People laugh at my phobia and don't take how much it terrifies me all the time. If I freak out about it people look at me like I'm a freak. My sister in particular is really bad with it, whenever the cat vomits she tries to bully me into cleaning it up even though she knows it triggers me and really teases me when I can't do it. No one takes it seriously. Thankyou so much for making this video, it's really comforting to me that someone else gets it, and you're so brave for making this so thankyou ❤️❤️❤️
this is really hard for me to watch because I have been struggling with this for a long time and its just made it more real. It is so hard because no one around me understands. Thank you for making this video!
So glad you made this video! I'm not sure if this is the same thing or a sub section of this phobia but I have a fear of feeling sick myself - so much so I avoided eating so as to not feel sick because there's nothing in my body. I used to and still struggle with big meals and feeling full because it feels like I might be sick. Deserts and overly sweet things are also a struggle encase I feel sick. Anxiety makes me nauseous which in turn makes me panic, big vicious cycle! I also share the phobia of travelling, not being able to go home if i do feel sick, I've avoided travelling for a long time because of it. I am 100% with you on this and without this video I probably wouldn't have said all this out loud so thank you!
I can’t believe it. I feel the same as you and I hate when other people are sick more than anything and also when people say no one likes it and they just don’t understand. It’s so irritating when people can’t understand and I’m so happy that I’m not the only one. Thank you for the boost of confidence xx
Oh my gosh.. me too! I’m less afraid of throwing up, but more afraid of others. Your not alone!
I have both, others being sick and myself being sick. I deal with nausea constantly and I get very scared im gonna get sick
Sweet girl, i'm the same. Afraid of others getting sick. I remember my brother coming home last March (March - May here is stomach flu season) and I was sleeping and was woken up by my brothers sounds. I remember having to go to work that day, but I had a full blown panic attack and could not go back to sleep. So I packed my suit case and ran out the door and stayed away from that place for 3 weeks (staying at other families homes). I was so terrified of stepping back into that house that I debated just living in my car for the remainder of that month. When I eventually stepped inside the house again, I could NOT use the same bathroom my brother got sick in for 3 months. I hate this damn phobia. I feel like I'd rather be dead than keep suffering this way. Anyway, thank you so much for this video, I don't feel so alone now. Love and Hugs, praying for your and my healing.
Thank you so much for making this video! I can relate to pretty much everything you talk about. I'm nearly 22 and I can't remember a time where I haven't had this phobia. It's particularly bad during winter when I know sickness bugs are going around but it is also centred around food. I had food poisoning two years ago and my phobia has worsened since then because it was such a horrible experience for me. Like you I really struggle with public transport as I commute during rush hour and spend the whole journey anxious that somebody I'm next to has had a sickness bug that I could catch. I also avoid seeing family/friends for at least a week after they have been sick out of fear I will catch whatever illness has caused it. This video has shown me that there is light at the end of the tunnel so thank you so much!
This video ABSOLUTELY HELPED ME!! THANK YOU!
My mum has emetophobia and had CBT a few years ago and has learnt some really good coping mechanisms from it. It must have been really hard to talk about this, but thank you because it’s helpful for everyone to understand the phobia and for those who have it to know that they’re not the only one. I’ve sent the link to her to watch, because I know some of things you’ve said would definitely comfort her and let her know she’s not the only one.
Thank you for this video! I suffer from emetophobia as well (it started when I was 6 and I'm 23 now) and it's good to see that I'm not the only one. I've noticed that I do a lot of the things that you've mentioned like asking people if they're gonna be sick or not wanting to be near ill people not to mention the fear of having a child. It was good to kinda see this from another point of view! I really appreciate you for shering this story as I know it's not the easiest thing to do! Lots of love xx
So many vloggers seem to have emetophobia! Well done for talking about this- it will help so many people. Don’t feel bad for things you can’t control. It affects every person differently and can’t be helped.
How brave sharing this phobia and your struggles. I hope you continue in your progress so that your dream of family is a reality as being denied that is a terrible burden to carry. Love and light.
Thank you so so much. I have emetophobia, too. I think I know where it started, and when. Although I think there was several events may have triggered it and made it worse, I have been scared of sick for as long as I can remember, maybe about 5 years old. I'm 13 now. It started with me being extremely embarrassed about feeling ill, so much that I wouldn't tell my parents, and I would go to school and hide when I was sick. I always got very panicky about sick, but I thought it was normal. As I grew up, I became more and more anxious about sick. I stopped being embarrassed about being ill when I was 11, but I ended up being absolutely taken over by the fear of it. I'm currently in CBT, I've had 3 sessions. I've been to a psychologist, and a hypnotherapist also. None of it has helped so far, but hopefully the CBT will.
Also, a not so fun fact: whilst watching this video, I heard my little brother coughing and crying downstairs. As I'm in my bedroom, I felt like I was trapped because I couldn't go downstairs anymore, because I obviously convinced myself that he'd been sick. I started ringing my mum to ask if he's actually been sick. I had a huge panic attack. It took her 15 minutes to answer, but she said that he was coughing because he choked on his water, and crying because he stubbed his toe on the table. Ugh I hate emetophobia.
I’m the exact same with hand sanitiser and hand washing!! I also have my own washing up gloves/sponges/cloths (I live in a uni house) due to germs. I also ALWAYS clean handles on doors and lights switches before using them at home and in public. It must be hideous for you to live with this , i never thought how much this phobia could affect everyday life! Hope one day you will overcome it x
Well done you for sharing this. I’ve been watching you for ages and can tell this was a big deal for you to film. I don’t have emetophobia myself but I can understand how it must control your life. Congratulations on how far you have come, being able to film this video is such a massive step. You’re doing amazing xxx
Thank you so much for making this video. I can appreciate how hard it must have been, I have emetophobia too and talking about it to anyone makes me anxious and emotional because I’ve tried to hide it for so many years (I’ve had it since I was 4) you should be so proud of yourself for doing this xxxx
I’m SO GLAD that I finally met an emetophobe whose phobia is directed toward others being sick! ❤️❤️
Hi I’m Lal and this is my emetophobia story.
I have had this phobia since I was 4 years old, I’m not sure how it’s came to be like this but it’s been apart of my everyday life for as long as I can remember even when people say the word sick or a similar word I panic and when I feel sick i shake uncontrollably.
it didn’t seem to have much of an effect around my very early childhood aka ages 4-8 but around the age of 9 or 10 (I’m 18 now) I would just lay unable to move and I felt my body shivering inside even tho on the outside I was told it was visibly impossible to see.
these episodes which I grew to call the shivers went on for about a year and a few months prior to that I realised it was my body’s way of having a panic attack.
during my attacks I used to have a cold rag over my head which would make me feel a little better but not by much, I found it strange cause from what I could remember I had only been physically sick in my life around 5 times back then so the likelihood was very slim but a few days after my 13th birthday I was ill on holiday.
the cause was most likely swallowing too much pool water which I unintentionally did but it was horrible but I feel like I remember it a lot worse then it actually was.
I remember thinking my phobia had gone straight after it happened but I was sadly mistaken.
Around a year ago now I was in a very bad place with my phobia because of certain people who are out of my life now but I used to feel very very sick for hours sometimes I would even gag over a trash can I called this horrible experience 5 hours, I called it 5 hours cause it literally took 5 hours to until I felt better which was around 4 am that it got better, during these five hours I would pace around my bedroom for the full five hours and walking around made me feel better. (sometimes if I was really bad I would have to go by a window for air as the cold made me feel better)
Now Fast forward to 2020 (my present day) but it might not be to some people if your reading this years later.
I am now 18 yrs old and I am struggling more then ever I struggle to eat (even at home) ,restaurants are a nightmare to me and I only eat on average 1 to 2 meals a day.
It takes me forever to eat in fear that I might throw up I even feel it when I’m eating so it takes me an average half hour to finish a meal for some reason I find eating at night the hardest.
I am very under weight and people have even asked if I’m anorexic (if you have anorexia best wishes btw hope you recover) but I definitely am not my body image has gone down a lot cause I feel like I’m too thin and I’m also quite tall which makes it worse, my hair is thinning because it’s not getting the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and things are pretty bad still.
at the moment my biggest problem is eating around my boyfriend or his family in fear that I will feel sick and have to leave or spoil plans that might be happening.
Anyway I’m trying to recover at the moment which is going to be a long process, I have had emetophobia a very long time now and I wanted to share a few tips that have worked for me as well.
Here is a book that I’m using to attempt a recovery it has good ratings from what I’ve seen and I believe there are a few youTube videos on it by the company themselves.
US Amazon: www.amazon.com/Cure-your-emetophobia-Thrive-Happiness-ebook/dp/B00H7WRN0E
UK Amozon: www.amazon.co.uk/Cure-Emetophobia-Thrive-Young-Persons/dp/0993432921/ref=pd_lpo_14_t_1/261-8741628-9405119?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0993432921&pd_rd_r=118cef00-6abf-43f9-9f4d-73b9a2752bc3&pd_rd_w=0dXgT&pd_rd_wg=4bEEz&pf_rd_p=7b8e3b03-1439-4489-abd4-4a138cf4eca6&pf_rd_r=93AGYHTAD00WES5NZAS7&psc=1&refRID=93AGYHTAD00WES5NZAS7
I am aware of the high price but from what I’ve seen it’s very worth it and might be good to give it a try if your interested.
(Disclaimer I don’t work for them)
Other things you might have at home that help me is mint specifically toothpaste i am not saying eat toothpaste that would be very bad but I have a toothpaste bottle by my bed and occasionally I will just lick the top of it for the mint taste as sometimes I will be falling asleep and suddenly just think I’m gunna be sick everywhere this is a method that has calmed my nerves.
Another tip is ginger, ginger is well known for soothing stomachs I often drink ginger tea or eat ginger cookies I’m not sure if it does anything but it tricks my mind in to thinking that by drinking or eating it will make me not feel the feelings another good one I’ve heard of it ginger ale although I don’t use that one myself
I also suffer with anxiety and I use a aromatherapy rub to help calm me down I specifically use this for my anxiety but I also use it if I feel sick too and it does help me a lot.
I hope this made someone out there feel as if they’re not alone cause your definitely not we are all in this together and at some point in the future we will be living our best lives.
a saying I like to think of is when there’s darkness there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel eventually.
And if your still reading this thank you so much for taking time to read my story and I hope I’ve helped you in some way shape or form too.
Best wishes
-Lal ♡
Thank you so much for this video...so glad to know I’m not alone..hang in there
Well done you should be so proud of yourself.Xx
Thank you.
I can relate on the fact of seeing people that have been sick as horrible people... When I was at a concert with my boyfriend and some friends, my boyfriend found out there was a friend of his and called her to make her join us. After a few minutes she was sick right next to me and I nearly had a panic attack. For the entire concert I was thinking " F*ck my boyfriend, why did he call her, could he just have minded his business, and why the f*ck didn't she just find a toilet instead of doing this next to me" But inside I knew that sometimes you just can't control it and my boyfriend couldn't even imagine that she was going to be sick, so he had no fault, same for his friend.
I could never bring myself to do exposure therapy. Youre so brave. ❤
thank you SO much for this xx
I have it too😣😷😖
We have the same problem
this isnt really related but where is your necklace from?? I see it every video and its so pretty
Lottie X it's from Missoma :)
I’m so sorry this is something you suffer from 😥
70 in that pic
‘Baby sick isn’t real sick’ that comment drives me insane! People just don’t understand how it triggers the phobia
Caitlyn O'Connell - I'm emethophic and I don't think of spit up as real vomit. Its only when they are older like 2 and above and is eating somewhat normal food that it becomes an issue for me.
Caitlyn O'Connell - so it def depends on the person
Hidden Flower yeah of course! I didn’t really go in to a deep description but I get that people will experience their anxieties and phobias differently it just annoys me when people diminish it because they don’t see it as an issue that could affect other people’s phobias and almost belittle the way someone feels. But yeah totally get that for some people baby sick doesn’t trigger them
Caitlyn O'Connell - Yeah I understand what you mean. I hate it when people dismiss how I feel do I wouldn't wanna do it to anyone else. :)
I literally can be around babies for this specific reason
Wow I can relate so so much. I wrote a blog post about this earlier this year too and it took me ages to hit publish, so I can only IMAGINE how hard this was to talk about, and then rewatch to edit. You’re so brave and I know how it feels when people just don’t understand. I’m SO lucky that my friends and family understand, my boyfriend will always brush his teeth and clean the toilet thoroughly for me if he’s been sick, then he takes the time to reassure me it’s fine, he’s fine but he understand if I’d rather not see him. I’m also the same with him about worrying about alcohol limits, it sometimes ruins nights out for me, oh my god especially when I see it in the street too. And don’t get me started on travelling, planes are so hard especially when I can smell it :( If anything Katie, know that this video really has resonated with me and I feel less alone. So thank you xxxx
Thank you so much for making this video. This phobia has controlled my life since I was 11 years old. I’m now 23. Mine is both other people and myself being sick. I can’t feel excited for any event because I’m worried about being sick before it. It has caused me to have an eating disorder and chronic anxiety. I can barely get out of the house some days and I feel sick every evening because I can no longer tell the difference between feelings and my mind just goes to “you’re going to be sick”. Public transport is a nightmare and anywhere where people are drinking. I’m the same - public transport gives me major anxiety to the point of panic attacks. I usually stand in between train carriages because of it. Films are still really hard for me as for some reason being sick seems to be a form of comedy for some creators. It’s really difficult to find people who understand as like you say no one likes sick. But a phobia is so much more than just not liking something. I’m going into my fourth round of therapy - but Im not sure I’m ready for exposure therapy. I feel for you and anyone who has to live like this. It has affected personal relationships for me too. Sending you a massive hug for being so brave and sharing. You’re helping a lot of people with this video. Xx
LisaNicole Stevens I understand this to the depths of my soul!!!!
This is exactly what I am in. I have gastritis, which in itself made me so anxious to eat that I lost 30 lbs (I’m now 80lbs and 5”5’) and I have been threatened of being put into a psych ward by my doctor for anxiety and an eating disorder. This gives me even more anxiety because I will be in a new area with new people who might get sick (it’s really irrational and rude, but I am afraid to be around people who have bulimia for obvious reasons). Everything she said in the video relates to me a lot, but I just want to be better.
My Emetophobia started when I was 11 I’m 19 now and I’ve had a bit of a relapse of it
My idea of hell would be to go on a cruise ship! You know the ones where hundreds of people come down with Norovirus? I think I would have to throw myself overboard....
Liz MacLeod omg YES!! Haha I've always said my worst nightmare holiday would be a cruise ship!!!
Same! I really would jump overboard!
In the ocean we go!!
aw katie i know how long you've battled this phobia and you've been incredible fighting it this long. i'm so proud of you and well done for talking about it
This video made me cry, I’m so happy you’ve come so far! I can relate to this so much, I had this problem extremely intensely from when I was 9 until I was about 12. I used to tell my mum I wanted to die because I didn’t want to go on living my life with this phobia controlling me anymore. I’m now 17 and I can finally talk about this without crying, I can help my friends when they’re sick and I don’t hyper analyse every unusual feeling in my body to associate it with sickness! Although I still suffer panic attacks and general anxiety the sickness phobia has virtually gone away. This is by far my greatest achievement in life and it’s down to my family’s support and my own determination! Honestly so proud of you for coming this far because I really do know how hard it is! So so important to be telling this story as so many people have this problem! xxxxx
I need ibfs....
I’m 11 (almost 12) and I have severe emetophobia...most people don’t understand it, not even my own parents. I have never met anyone the same.
I came to this video because my boyfriend and I were watching Netflix and eating chips...next thing you know he choked and threw up all over my white rug, I ran out of my room crying and went to my kitchen wall and stood there in a state of panic, shaking, crying, and screaming. Now i still will NOT go into my bedroom (keep in mind this happened a couple hours ago).
Another time I went to eat n’ park I walked in and my mom moved me to the other side of her and I was confused, I then looked over and saw vomit all over the floor, I started shaking...that time wasn’t as bad but I still didn’t eat much.
My phobia started when I was in first grade and this girl threw up...it was horrible. Not to be weird but I said to myself “where did she get the jelly from?”. Yes that was dumb but remember I was young and I didn’t know, it smelled horrible. I was crying and I didn’t know why. Everyone was wondering “why is she crying”.
If anyone had the time to share their stories it would be great....thanks.
Love, Julia
koiela same I got it from my brother he triggered it it’s not anybody else just him
It’s horrible I Cry and cry and plug my ears and close my eyes
My daughter has it too. She is just watching this with me. She's 10.
@@dailymocha8818 I do the same thing
This is all me
THIS IS MEEE!! I’ve never met someone with the same fear. I’ve had this phobia since I was a kid and that led me to have anxiety and panic attacks, which led me to going to a child psychiatrist. It’s controlled my life so much that I’m on anxiety medication (for other things as well). I’m sure you can imagine how it changes a child’s life (not wanting to go to sleepovers, not eating for fear of being sick, etc.)
Ironically, My boyfriend has CVS (cyclical vomiting syndrome) which is practically an emetaphobics worst nightmare. However with my medication and previous experience with an episode I’m able to help and support him through it.
This video is amazing and I just feel immediately close to you now since we share such an intimate detail about ourselves. This comment section is opening my eyes too, and I feel less ridiculous.
When people cough too much I totally get out of there. I plug my ears and close my eyes and have a panic attack without fail.
Hi Katie, I have suffered with this phobia for as long as I can remember. I am so much better now and it no longer controls me or ruins my life. What helped me to get over it was actually having children and having to deal with them being sick and myself then sometimes catching any bugs they have had. Having no choice but to face it fairly regularly seemed to solve it for me. Although it’s still occasionally in the back of my mind, I don’t feel scared anymore and having seen it so often now with the children I think I’ve become almost desensitised!
Thanks for sharing, this gives me hope! I'm not going to let this phobia stop me from having childern
I felt exactly like you starting at the age of 10. I always felt odd that i felt that way. I realized by watching UA-cam that i was not alone. Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing your story Katie, great video and really brave of you to be so honest. This phobia is so common and many of the treatments available (CBT, medication, therapy) just don't work because they fundamentally misunderstand the causes and nature of emetophobia. To anyone with this phobia: please get in contact with us via our Facebook page (@emetophobiaexpert) or website emetophobia.co.uk - myself (Rob Kelly) and my team are experts at helping young people with this phobia and we would love to help you and anyone else suffering. Check out our youtube channel for dozens of testimonials. Please, don't feel like you can't get over this or that you're helpless - there is help available and it really works. You can be cured of this and lead a normal life.
Emetophobia ruins my life
Edit: nearly everything she does, I do and I have frequent nightmares especially about planes. I developed this phobia when I was 3 years old, and I can't visit my family in other countries even when they want to see me. And same as her, I avoided people who were sick like my mum, dad and sis, I avoid them and am scared to go near them. I'm scared of being sick and seeing the process of vomit, I really want a friend who suffers the same to help each other, cause I hate feeling like the only one
Thank you so much for sharing! I don't have this same phobia, but I do have anxiety. It really hit home when you talked about your ex being supportive in the beginning and then just slowly not caring. My husband was great the first few years and really helped me, but now it seems like he's just over it. He gets upset with me when I can't make phone calls or go in certain places. I pretty much just go to work and come home now. I couldn't keep friends because No one wanted to be friends with someone who didn't want to go out. So my husband is basically all I have, and now he's getting tired of me too. I really need to seek out a doctor, but I can't even get myself to call one. Anyway, thanks again for sharing, I think this will help so many people.
Jamie Forrester I really hope you will find a way out, or that your husband becomes more supportive again. I'm praying for you.
I don't have the same phobia but thank you for sharing because it's comforting to know your not alone in the mental health world. ❤
Thank you a lot I have emetophobia
I can't go to sleep without having a panic attack and crying myself to sleep it is much better now
I got this when I was 10 years old
I was in my class and I threw up it might not sound that bad but I never threw up before (maybe when I was a baby I did but I don't remember that)The worst thing is I feel like I can't talk about it because thought it was normal it just got worse and worse .
In the bus I have a panic attack
I feel much better when I talk to someone
Katie I relate so much. Everything you’ve said resonates with me so much. Even with tv and movies sometimes I have to check IMDB for if there is a scene with it in it. I will always be so angry when people are around me even talk about it, perceiving it as selfish :( I haven’t actually be sick myself since I was about 8 because I am so horrendously worried. I can’t even visit people in hospital, even when my granny was about to pass away I was shaking going to see her :( I think mine manifested when I was about 6 or 7 ☹️ every time I’ve seen someone been sick since then has been burned into my memory too! Thanks so much for sharing your story ❤️
I'm so sorry you have this, this sounds awful. :( I've done CBT for my panic disorder and it was so helpful and I'm glad it helped you too! Keep at it if you can, I think it'll be worth it in the long run. :)
I have the same phobia! 😳 it's such an awful phobia. :(
I don't have sick phobia but it's interesting to hear how although the context is different, the human body has the egsact same reaction and limitiations when it comes to phobias.
I don't know exactly where my emetophobia came from, but even watching someone on TV be sick made me panic big time. I've gotten better about it by learning about how fake vomit is made for films and TV and also getting some unintentional exposure therapy by experiencing a bus trip from hell. (There was a norovirus outbreak.)
I still could never get on a cruise ship, binge drink, or do something like EMS or emergency nursing, though.
I've had this fear since 2012 because I got the flu like 8 times in one year, since my immune system was low at that time. But anyways, in 2014 I had this terrible stomach ache, I was shaking, I was dizzy, I didn't wanna speak because I thought I was going to throw up. My mom was there for me, and she kept me calm, but I never threw up. But all the feelings were so draining and overwhelming it stuck with me. And so I kept myself from eating from April until maybe sept. I lost a lot of weight, I think I was 9 then. When I got over it, it came back in 2016 because I got sick because smth I was allergic to. Basically i would associate everything with throwing up. I wouldn't wear what I was wearing on that day because it reminded me of it, I wouldn't eat what I ate on that day, even the toys I played with I wouldn't play with anymore. Well actually you know how when you drink too much water and then you feel it move in ur stomach? Well, I would jump up and down because I assumed that if I could feel stuff moving in my stomach, then it was vomit. And I would throw it up at some point. Until this day (because my phobia is coming back from some family issues that caused anxiety) anyways- anytime I feel slightly sick I shut myself in my room, I don't talk, I don't move, I don't cry, I just go numb. It's so scary because right now my mom is going to have a baby soon, and it's not that I'm scared of her throwing up, she said that if she was to get the flu and throw up this late into the pregnancy her water would break. And my brother will be born on the 19 of dec. flu season. And so not only am I scared of MYSELF being sick, I'm also worried that my moms health will be affected, and my new born brothers health. It's absolutely terrible. I barely go to school anymore. I also have a stomach ulcer so I always feel sick because of that too.
So yeah, just had no one to vent to. ):
I can relate to almost everything in this video, especially the airplane situation. I thought it was only me that had this fear until today when I saw videos about it. It feels better to know that other people experience this and it's not only me.
For me i don't really get anxious about people being sick if they've drank alcohol for me it's almost always people being sick from illness or an injury. Especially with a head injury. I'm really sorry if this is too deep but I just needed to be honest ❤️
i guess i have emetophobia. but it’s more, the fear of throw up itself. a couple days ago in class a kid threw up and i got rlly hot and i started shaking so bad. i asked my teacher to leave and when i stood up i got vv dizzy and almost passed out. i went into the hallway and almost started crying. it all started because my sister got sick in the car when it was locked. it’s terrible
Thank you for sharing your story. I know how uncomfortable it is to talk about these kinds of things. I’m glad you were able to talk about it and I know others will be helped.
But my problem is me being sick, and not seeing other people, I think. And I'm not going to get sick to face my fear :(
Massive congratulations Katie. I have a different phobia but I've had similar therapies so I can definitely relate to your fears. People often don't understand phobias and think you just dislike something. As we knoe, a phobia is all consuming and has a detrimental affect on your life. I hope this video helps others experiencing phobias. Xx
I don’t usually watch your videos, but coming across your emetophobia video has gained you i new subscriber, I’ve been struggling with emetophobia since I was 4 years old and I’ve been to therapy, which insight didn’t help me much but did help me in a way that I can now be around my daughter if she is unwell. I’m sorry you’ve been living with such an awful phobia, I know it sucks! X
im only 11 years old and im terrified of people being sick. i hate the sound, smell, what it looks like, etc...
welp
When I was in like 6th grade, someone on the airplane got sick and ran down the aisle to the bathroom. Ever since then I refuse to sit in the aisle seat in case someone gets sick. I also put in headphones so I can't hear anything on the airplane.
I also don't let my brothers sit in the back seat of the car because they've both gotten car sick and I never have.
Also when your emetophobia gets to the point of being scared of the new v***** emoji XDD
I have had this phobia for as long as I can remember and it's such a handicap in many situations... I don't know how to get rid of it and it's not always at its peak but when it is it does feel awful and it makes me feel so ridiculous and ashamed of it. Thank you for this video, hopefully you'll get over your phobia completely one day. x
When I was 15 I had a really bad stomach infection, I was really really unwell. For about a year after that I would only eat toast, and would limit my food intake so I couldn't be sick I lost about 2st. I never had therapy so I'm not sure it was a phobia but it was an intense experience. There's certain foods that I still can't eat because they remind me of being sick. I eat normally though and don't obsess or worry about being sick anymore
For me it’s been really hard to deal with it because I feel like everyone thinks it’s a joke but for me it’s so real and I feel so happy to see that other emetophobs can come forward and speak about it so freely. Really an inspiration👑✨
I'm 19 and have had this phobia since I can remember so I can totally relate, its awful and no one realises how much it affects our lives x
I'm 11 and when you said about feeling like they are disgusting I cried. I have never related to a video more. And I know that I am very young but it terrifies me. You are an amazing person. Thank you!
I related to this so much, I'm 21 and I've had this phobia for as long as I can remember, I'm so glad someone is finally talking about it, nobody ever takes me seriously I always get the 'well nobody likes sick' it's honestly such a strain on life! I also make my boyfriend sleep somewhere else when he's drunk, hearing that you did too reassured me so much, thanks so much for making this video
It is crazy how much I can relate to this. I have the exact same phobia with the same behaviours. Public spaces or public transport I have to analyse every single person around and if someone is feeling unwell I will try my hardest to get out of the situation. At night I wear headphones every night because I am terrified that i will wake up to the sound of someone being sick and the worst part no one knows that I actually have this phobia or to what extent.
Thank you so much for making this. Emetophobia controls everything I do, just knowing other people have experienced it makes it so much better. I’m currently looking for my third therapist who specialises in phobias. stay strong 💖💖💖
I relate to you so much, I have had emmetephobia for about 3 years, and I think my sister triggered me (she was ill on a monthly basis.) my mum thinks it’s pathetic but I want her to watch it to understand it better. Whenever I feel unwell I hum to take my mind of, I think I’m getting worse but I still panick whenever anyone even mentions the word and am very questionable when it comes up. I haven’t been sick for 6 years, this video helped, and I’m proud for you :))))
I have the same thing for years and years,I do have children and grandchildren now,I do find it difficult to eat out,cos I never know how old the food is? I'v have had a couple of operations,I was so scared of being sick after the operation,and the other people on the ward getting sick,and I'm stock in bed,cause of the operation? Panic panic
I thought I had this phobia but now I’m not sure because it’s no way near as severe as yours. I also avoid nights out, drunk people and ill people because I am scared of them being sick near me and feel extremely panicked when I think I might be sick. I’m so sorry your experience is so upsetting, I hope you can get past it eventually!
imagine being a doctor and having that, I'm not gonna lie it kinda got me into funny situations in medical school (no one ever judged me for it, they rather pulled me out of the room that had vomiting patients), and thankfully I went into a speciality where I don't see a lot of vomiting. overall I'm doing better in my responses to seeing people vomit.
Thank you so much for sharing this, it meant a lot to me as I've suffered with this phobia ever since I was little and never thought anyone felt the same way. I relate so much to everything you said. Mine has actually got better as I've got older however it still affects my life quite a lot. Hope you continue to overcome your phobia xx
This video made me tear up a couple of times! Thanks for sharing. I can relay to all of it except im more frightened about myself! Keep up the good work.
Dunno if this is too much information but Im about to travel to australia by myself for an uncertain amount of time and have panic attacks daily. But I will still do it and your story about the speed boat - youre so brave! X
I also have this phobia along with panic disorder, autism, agoraphobia and physical dysphagia, which really ramps it up to 11! Have had it since age 8 and I'm 45 now. (Haven't been sick myself since 1978) Mine's mostly triggered by my own body sensations, I'm...KIND of okay with other people being sick, definitely moreso than me. You're really brave for doing this, and it's awesome you've come so far.
I HAVE THIS PHOBIA TOO
and nobody gets me
Its so hard that no one belives me
Its the worst before I see TV I need to ask someone to watch this and make sure there are not parts that people "sick" and its a nightmare that when my family/friends gets sick I get away from them as far as possible like they're a sort of monsters😭
+I don't know what to when my kids will be sick..
BUT I'M GLAD YOU TALKED ABOUT NOW I DON'T FELL ALONE..
❣❤ THANK YOU SOO MUCH!!
You know what's fun? Having depression, health anxiety, social anxiety, emetophobia, no friends, AND ocd.
E N D
M E
I can't believe I'm still alive sometimes I know that sounds dark.
AND OMG that boat story gives me anxiety :0
u poor girl
I'm am ematophobe as i have a compromised immune system, I just wear masks, have had sanitizer and dont do mass activities often and definitely with mask if I do. My brother also takes precautions as he's aware of fragile health until I'm a bit stronger. It isn't life threatening though serious.
This video was really interesting! How're you finding the Thrive book? I've got it but I haven't got very far through it yet. I've had this phobia for around 25 years and I'm fed up of it taking over - it's very nice to see success stories!
Thank you soooo much for this video. Emetophobia is such a difficult phobia to deal with and it’s so good that you’re trying to spread awareness for it 💕
I had emetophobia since 10. Or even younger.
I had a traumatic experience caused by vomiting because I was severely sick.
Even now, at 12(almost 13) I have sometimes the simtomes of panic attacks, feeling sick and stomach discomfort. I'm pretty careful about what I eat because I don't want to experience my trauma again... Sometimes I don't want to go on trips because I experienced a traumatic experience in one too...But not always I do it. I do it especially in the mountains (there I was in a trip when I experienced my other trauma)...
My parents yell at me and say I have nothing. They think I just don't want to go to school... It's not how it works...I fear that I vomit, sometimes, and have panic attacks and feel very sick...Plus I go at a psychotherapist to make a terapy for many, many problems I have...
I don't have just emetophobia...I also have gender dysphoria (severely), anxiety (rarly, but still present) and some kind of depression, and I act like a psychopath sometimes...
For example, my parents today wanted to bring me to school, but I refused because I feel sick and think a lot about vomiting...Plus I don't sleep normal and eat with disorders...
I don't know anymore what to do...And I don't want to face my fear...but also I can't run all my life from it...
I don't know anymore...
Hello I made this story on notepad about me! at school... about my emetophobia
So first, I went to school, all fine and normal, but felt quite sick. I walked into my classroom and hanged my coat up on my peg.
After, I went to my seat and sat down to listen to the teacher, but at the corner of my ear I heard the word "vomit" mentioned. I said "What happened?"
to one of my oldish-friends. She said to me "I vomited on my slime" After she said it, I was tensed up and literally like a statue.
I started panacking and thinking I was going to be sick. My knees were weak and trembling. I walked to one of the staff. And I Said "Am I going to be sick?"
And that's when disaster happened. I think I have emetophobia. The staff walked away from me and completely ignored me.
5 minutes later, my teacher loudly said "ASSEMBLY TIME!" I was at the front of the line (I think) I was really scared, I was in year 6 so I had to sit on benches
at the back of the assembly hall. I was at the front bench, so I was exposed to everybody. Some of my girl-friends were sitting next to me on the bench.
1 minute later, assembly started. I put my hands on my face and started panacking. I thought I was going to be sick on somebody. One of my kinda-friends said "Are you ok"
And I just smiled and just didn't say much and laughed it off. But really I was panacking so much, I was nearly going to vomit, so I stood up infront of the whole assembly,
with everybody staring at me. I said to a teacher "I feel sick" I didn't get the teacher to reply because I just walked back to my seat. I breathed in my hands.
Try having to go to work and work with a coworker close to them and then they tell you "yeah I'm really sick and my husband is sick" like really???? You didnt bother to call on and stay home and risk infecting others???? Cause that happened to me tonight and I do not want to catch what she has!!!! And its fucking rude and horrible how she just went to work knowing flu season is sadly still here and risked getting ME and other people sick.
Awww Babe - Fellow Emetophobic here & so many of your fears, rituals & checks are similar to mine !! It really is absolutely debilitating !! ...... Hoping you can stay strong & mentally healthy xx
OKAY. I did not know this was a thing, but a lot of this resonates with me. I had problems like this a lot when I was younger (probably around ages 10-17) and I couldn't formulate it into a solid thing, but it might have been emetophobia. I can also recall a situation on a boat with lots of sick people similar to yours that could have been the start of it. It has faded almost completely as I've gotten older but it is so interesting to get educated about it as an adult. Thanks for being brave and sharing!
Is this the same as Zoe's???
Anyway, I think you should put subtitles so that people from other countries could understand... I'm Italian and I perfectly understand English, but I'd like to share this with my friends who don't understand English that well.. ❤
It really can be overcome. I suffered from this phobia since I can honestly remember. As a very young child I remember being just completely terrified by it. It grew from a fear as a child, to an anxiety when I was around 10 years old. I used to do very strange things to avoid being sick. I remember I started doing little rituals (almost OCD) and would pray when I am not religious. When I was last sick as a child I was 10 and I remember being filled with anxiety which I wasn't before, I felt like I was closed in and I hated it. I wanted air and space and that soon became my safe space when my phobia just blew up as a young teenager. I was always afraid of sick for the next few years but I wasn't in a bad place with it until I was about 14. I kept believing I was sick. I'd spend forever up all night sat outside shaking and fretting over it. It got worse and worse when I was 15/16 I spent so much time off school and college and then eventually, I vomitted and it really wasn't that bad. I was 17 and vomitted in public. However, the fear just came back immediately so I thought that didn't work. However, I was then sick again at 19 after a hangover and it made me extremely confident, I thought oh my god that was nothing to be anxious about, I can do this now. I was sick just 3 mornings ago again from a hangover and I was so proud of myself, I honestly just went straight into it, sat there and did it. I honestly know how much emetophobic people don't want to hear it; but exposure is literally the only way to really help. Luckily, I've always been with someone that has understood and I've been with them since I was 14 which was around the time it started to get worse. If you are going to be sick, trust me you know about it. Don't waste time thinking that you are sick when you are not because I have lost countless nights of sleep. I feel like I have gotten stronger and stronger over the years and I am happier than ever.
I've had emetophobia my whole life, I have no idea where it originated from or why I'm afraid of it, I just am, I guess. But the earliest freakout I can remember with this was when I had the stomach flu, and I was about 6 at the time (my memory has always been really clear for memories really far in the past, so keep in mind I remember these very vividly). I remember being so panicked that my older brother actually had to sit by me and talk to me so I didn't pass out from hyperventilating.
The next thing I can remember, which was when me and my mom really started getting concerned, was when I was in 4th grade (I think, maybe 5th), and I started feeling really sick in class. I told my teacher that I wanted to go to the nurse, and I was already slightly shaking at the time. I was prone to anxiety (I was diagnosed at a young age so yeah) and I was really shy in public situations, so my teacher thought that my shaking was just caused by being anxious about raising my hand in class, which is what she said to me later. She said I could set a trash can beside me, but I had to stay in class. This made me panic so much more because I couldn't be in a safe zone while I felt sick and that's always been a big thing for me. I remember sitting there, having almost a full-blown panic attack, shaking, and my vision was getting to the point where it was that weird tunnel vision/blurry type thing. My teacher looked at me and asked if I really felt that sick, and I said yes, and ended up going home.
At this point my phobia was so bad that I couldn't go to school for two weeks. I skipped a week of school because I couldn't go anywhere without feeling extremely sick, which was just my imagination, and I ended up spending 3-4 days in a hospital to find out what was "wrong" with me. Of course, the doctors didn't find anything wrong, but it was at this point that they did find out that I was extremely underweight because I refused to eat any sort of meat, and was afraid to eat too much in fear of getting sick. Last year (a couple years later), me and my mom figured out that I probably developed ARFID because of this, which has gotten a lot better now, although my phobia hasn't gotten much better.
The next really big panic attack I had was when I was in gymnastics, and I had been doing flips and jumps in a hot gym for literal hours, and I guess it just made my stomach uneasy. I remember feeling really sick, and being so panicked that I went into some sort of dissociative state (I was 12 at the time so I didn't really know what was happening since I didn't know what dissociating was, so-). No one else knew what was going on because everyone on my team was even younger than me, so we were all pretty uneducated on that sort of stuff. I just remember feeling so sick, and having to go sit in the "sick chair" at the front of the gym until I felt better. I ended up sitting there, having a full-blown really bad panic attack in front of everyone at the gym. I could barely see with the tunnel vision, I could barely breathe, and I was so pale that I'm pretty sure I looked like the ghosts from Luigi's Mansion. Everyone kept asking if I was okay, but I just kept saying that I just didn't feel that good. I ended up throwing up, and went home after that. The craziest part is that the leotard I was wearing when this happened was one of my favorite ones, but after that, I refused to wear it at all, even after it had been washed several times. I associated it with being sick.
People always say that people with emetophobia are being so overdramatic, and that most of the things they're scared of don't even relate to being sick. The thing about that is that emetophobia makes your brain make connections between things and throwing up, so you become afraid of that thing/situation, too. When quarantine is over, I'll be going to therapy for my emet, and I just hope it gets better, because I'm so tired of watching everyone I walk by so carefully, thinking that anyone could be sick at any moment and being absolutely terrified about it. Stay strong to anyone who has emetophobia, you've got this.
It is so good to hear you talk about your experience with exposure therapy. I'm currently doing exposure therapy now for emetophobia and it's SO HARD. But I do see it working, so I am trying to stick with it!
Ahhh I stumbled onto your channel because a video of yours popped up on the side, to do with acne, and I clicked to see your other videos and saw this. I'm 31, and I have emetophobia. I remember when there wasn't a word for it (or maybe there was, but no one knew what the word was or had the ability to access the info about it). I'm afraid of others getting sick... When you mention triggers, I'm now afraid to watch aha... But I'm going to anyways... O_O.
I have had my emetophobia for about 8 or 9 years now. It controls my life in every aspect. The one thing about this video that plays time and time again in my head is when you said that when someone is sick they automatically become disgusting. I feel terrible when my family members get sick. I feel like the worst and most apathetic person on earth. It hurts me to know that I can shut off my love for someone all because they’re sick. I feel awful. I think the worst part for me is that I have emetophobia coupled with OCD and IBD. My OCD was caused by my emetophobia and my IBD came after my emetophobia but before the OCD. My life seems like a living hell sometimes. My IBD makes me feel sick a lot of the time and I know that I rationally won’t be ill, but I still panic. My hands are cracked and often bleed as I wash them and put hand sanitizer on religiously. My compulsions often control me. My friends and professors occasionally look at my hands with disgust, as they are bright red and cracked up to my wrist, but to me all I can see is cleanliness. It’s sad that I’ve gotten to a point where I see myself bleeding and am in physical pain and all I can’t think of is “This is the price I have to pay for being clean.” If someone even coughs I can get thrown into a frenzy of fear and worry. I hate myself for being this way. I can remember a time when I wasn’t this unhappy, where every moment of my day wasn’t filled with thoughts of fear. I miss that. I miss that so much. I’m so proud of you for pushing past the fear and anxiety to give yourself a better life. I’m trying to do the same, but as you said, it’s emotionally draining. I hope one day we can both be fully cured and live our lives free of this worry.
The video just started and I’m already weak and shaking...
I have this phobia as well, and I’m the same as you, I’m scared of throwing up myself but I’m more scared of other people throwing up. I can’t explain this fear and no one understands me, they all just say things like “Why you making a big deal out of this? Everyone doesn’t like vomit, it isn’t just you” and I just can’t tell them about my intense fear about vomit.
I live in HK and not a lot of people have this phobia here so no one understands me, that’s why this just relates to me so so much. My phobia isn’t as bad as yours but it really affects my life a lot as well. I get yelled by my mum a lot because I get all scared and moody when my sister throws up instead of caring about her and I just feel so bad...
Thank you so much for making this video so I know that I’m not alone in this, and if you’re still reading this till now, thank you so much for taking the time to read this
My emetophobia started 3 years ago after a terrible experience.After that,I couldnt sit outside normally without the fear of sickness.There is a lot of pollution in some areas in my country so I was always afraid to catch viruses and stuff.I became obsessed with being clean and I would force myself to stay awake till 6 am since the experience that occured to me happened at night so I literally became scared of slepeing in the night.Till now,I still get panic attacks if I feel sick,yet my lifestyle isnt affected now until the I feel sick.That's why I signed up for the thrive program and hopefully it will work out.But I think what lead emetophobia to stop affecting my lifestyle is time which helped me move on from the experience and I simply did simple challenges daily,you know the corny saying "big things start from small things".But they definitely do.Whenever I feel sick,I watch comedy and try distracting myself with reading and stuff.I also go get fresh air and meditate from " calm",the app.Even though I still have that phobia,I'm close to overcoming it despite how hard it is.I just want everybody to remember that many people are suffering from this phobia and even though people in our daily life arent really familiar with this phobia and you may feel not understanded,there are many ways to overcome it peacefully with just some thrive and patience and you can get help from alot of resources
Emetophobia is my worst and biggest phobia...it’s a struggle everyday. Going to school or just anywhere in public gives me really bad anxiety. Sometimes I’m afraid to even eat out and I get major panic attacks. I don’t even know what to do at this point. I literally related to every thing you said in this video. Maybe I’ll make a video on this too...thank you for sharing your story love 💛