Nausea is an unpleasant experience.
There is the action of it, obviously.
But for people with an anxiety disorder calledemetophobia, the mere thought of vomiting can be downright debilitating.
Design by Bella Geraci
Presumably, to avoid consuming germs…because germs could lead to illness…which could lead to vomiting.
It can be incredibly impairing.
Read on to learn how emetophobia can negatively affect peoples lives, plus doctor-recommended treatments.
Meet the experts:
What is emetophobia?
Appenzeller explains that the phobia often develops after an inciting event that forms a negative thought about throwing up.
No matter the root cause though, emetophobia can significantly impact peoples well-being.
Appenzeller explains people with the condition typically engage in avoidance behaviors to protect themselves from getting sick.
Safety behaviors, like excessivehand washingand disinfecting or carrying around anti-nausea medications, are also a hallmark of emetophobia.
Some people only take tiny bites of food or drink water after each bite to avoid nausea.
Since then, shes had apanic attackany time she started feeling nauseated.
Garcia got sick with COVID-19 a few years ago, and her worst symptoms were gastrointestinal.
Busler, who works in a school, says her fear has interfered with her work, too.
If she hears a stomach bug is going aroundcommon among her studentsshe feels paralyzed with anxiety.
How can you treat emetophobia?
In the case of emetophobia, someone might simply say the word vomit or imagine themselves throwing up.
You want to help them be successful and slowly work their way up.
Not all therapists treat phobias, especially emetophobia.
What has helped people recover from emetophobia?
Shes also taken a daily medication for her anxiety and panic, which she says has helped.
Garcia is currently pregnantsomething she used to fear due to the possibility of morning sickness.
Ive learned that just because I feel sick doesnt mean Im in imminent danger, she says.
Buslers symptoms tend to ebb and flow.
You dont have to be in therapy for years to be able to be treated, Krinsky says.
Notice, and then take that step to reach out.
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