Symptoms | My Emetophobia Journey

Hi Readers,

I have been having a think about things that I could talk about which might help people, like myself, suffering from Emetophobia. Two of the things which particularly frustrated and frightened me were the lack of people, medical professionals included, who actually knew what Emetophobia was and secondly, I was very frightened that I was the only person experiencing certain symptoms. I therefore decided I would first of all define Emetophobia for those that read my blog without the condition and to raise awareness among those outside the Emetophobic community. I will then move onto some of the symptoms that I personally experience with Emetophobia. I would love for people to comment and tell me what symptoms they personally suffer from in the hope that when people read this, they won’t feel so alone or like they are going mad, as they will see lots of people experiencing the same things as they are,

What is Emetophobia?

Emetophobia is an intense but irrational fear of v********, however, some sufferers may also be afraid of other people v********. Emetophobia is completely different from ‘not liking’ v******** as we all know it is something that no-one enjoys. An Emetophobe will take drastic measures to avoid anything to do with v**** and will most likely carry out rituals which they believe will decrease the chance of them being ill. Speaking for myself, I find it slightly irritating when I tell somebody that I have Emetophobia and they say ‘oh, I have that, I don’t like being s***.’ It is very frustrating for me, when Emetophobia has such a drastic impact on my life to hear someone say the above.

What Symptoms and Effects does Emetophobia Cause Me Personally?

As there is quite a few of these I will bullet point some of the symptoms that Emetophobia gives me:

Constant nausea- Although I know in times where I am rational that this is caused by my anxiety when I feel panicked I am convinced that I have a SV or bug.
Anxiety- I feel constantly anxious and on edge that I am going to v**** or catch a SV which will make me v****.
Inability to Take ANY Medication- I find it nearly impossible to take any form of medication, even anti-emetics due to an intense fear that they will make me v****. FACT: When I dislocated my wrist totally out of place, I had it re-manipulated back into place with no pain relief whatsoever!
Panic attacks and a feeling of sheer terror-If I feel even slightly s***, I get a heavy feeling of terror in my heart, palpitations and then panic attacks.
I HAVE to know where the toilet is- I cannot go into a place where there is no toilet as I worry I may v**** in public.
Cannot drink alcohol- Those of you who know me will know that I do not drink and this is because I am terrified that the alcohol will make me v****.
Being Around S*** People- This one is a tricky one for me in particular. I can deal with v**** in front of others if I know the reason behind it, for example, anesthetic and although I will look calm on the outside, I will be panicking on the inside. FACT: In September I will be a Student Nurse!
I constantly think of the possibility of V*******- This rules my life, if the risk is too big, I do not do it.
Cibophobia- I am frightened of food due to my Emetophobia and can restrict eating due to this.
I cannot travel on Public Transport- I am too frightened that I or someone else will be travel s*** and v**** plus I am worried I could catch something.
I cannot eat out- This is mainly because of my allergies, but I am frightened the food won’t be hygienically prepared and also concerned I will v**** in public. FACT: This weekend I will be going out for a meal to challenge myself this weekend.
I find it difficult to go out and socialize- I fear v******** in public, especially, in front of friends.
I overcook ALL food- Especially meat where there is a chance of food poisoning.
I obsess over food being in date- Especially with meat, I will not eat it if it’s even close to the date and will smell and check it to make sure it isn’t off!
I have to sit at the end of a row- I must be able to get out quickly.

There are many more of course, but these are just SOME of the ones that I personally suffer with most days. Do you suffer any of these symptoms? What symptoms does your Emetophobia give you? Comment below, as I would love to hear from people and see what problems Emetophobia causes for others. Also, it may help for those with Emetophobia to not feel so alone, silly and isolated if they know others with the same symptoms which they are experiencing.

COMMENT BELOW YOUR SYMPTOMS: Lets get together a list so that Emetophobes feel less alone and know there are people in the same boat, experiencing all these thing which they are feeling.

Thank-you very much for reading,

Chlo x