I came across a question on this site once, which asked:
If you could limit one weakness or limitation in your life, what would it be?
Without any hesitation, I automatically replied: “my emetophobia”
Some were confused with my answer, mainly because they don’t know what Emetophobia is. And to be honest, who really does? It’s never spoken about, and you never hear it on the news.
So what IS Emetophobia?
Emetophobia is the intense, irrational fear of vomit. Some have the fear of vomiting. Some have the fear or seeing others vomit. I have both.
What CAUSES Emetophobia?
Most of the time, Emetophobia takes it form, due to a traumatic childhood experience with the stomach flu or being sick. That’s how my obsession with vomiting came to life. I can remember ever detail about it happening- the date, time, what I was wearing, the smell-everything.
What are the habits of an Emetophobic?
There are many habits associated with the fear of vomiting. Some choose not to wear clothing colours that reminds them of vomit. Other may avoid people who are sick. Sometimes people refuse to eat it restaurants (for fear of food poisoning) Some may have a garbage pail beside them when they may feel the urge to vomit.
But the most common characteristic is not eating when you feel sick or being afraid to eat.
You make think Now that seems reasonable, but it’s really not. Having the feeling of being sick, as well as being afraid of vomiting, can last for days.This can cause one to not eat or drink very little for several days, causing major weight loss.
When my Emetophobia first emerged (I was about 10 years old), I wouldn’t eat anything or would be very picky about what I ate. This caused me to loose a lot of weight, which had me develop slowly than others my age. I was stuck at a solid 55 pounds for 1.5 years and I looked awful.
Emetophobia is NOT an eating disorder. Although people may associate being anorexic with eating disorder, there is a major difference. I enjoy eating, and I am only limited to eat because of my fear. NOT because I want to be skinny.
Nowadays, I’m doing better. I’ve been able to gain most of my weight back, though I still continue to have panic attacks from time to time. Because of my extreme weight loss, my puberty was extremely delayed. I don’t have well defined curves, or have the body I could’ve had. And I blame myself for that.
Why share my story on here?
I shared my story on here’s because I think it’s important to be aware of how life threatening this phobia can be. I also hope it may resonate with others who have gone through a similar experience. Everyone has their own fears that limit them from achieving something in life. I found that the only way to fully conquer your fear is to be tired of being afraid. Know that whatever you are afraid of, that fear may happen someday. But you can’t control it, or delay the inevitable.
There are many articles and communities online that talk about Emetophobia. I want to thank you for taking the time for reading my take☺️
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