Do you know what caused it?
Yes, I got food poisoning when I was 14. I was asleep and threw up before I woke up and then it just continued and I went through the whole thing alone which was traumatic for me
What symptoms do you experience?
Panic attacks, chronic nausea, avoiding places and situations
When did you first start experiencing symptoms?
Around 15 years old
Before you knew of the term “emetophobia”, how did you feel about the symptoms you experienced?
Confused but I knew what was causing the anxiety before I learned the term emetaphobia
When did you realize that you had emetophobia? How did you feel knowing that there was a word for what you had?
I learned the term around 19 but I’ve had the phobia since I was about 15
Do you have other related conditions?
Depression and panic disorder
On a scale of 1 to 10, how much impact does emetophobia have on your life?
9
How does emetophobia affect your day-to-day life?
I miss out on a lot of things because I’m afraid to go more than 20 minutes from my home. I feel too sick to go out and do things with my SO. I’ve also ruined my teeth because one of my coping mechanisms is ginger candy which I’m almost also using.
Do you tell people you have emetophobia or is that something that you hope would remain more of a secret?
I’m pretty open about it but most people don’t understand or they say “I have that too” but it’s obvious they don’t
What is your general outlook on your condition?
Optimistic once I find a therapist
Have there been instances where people disregarded or didn’t take your phobia seriously? Did that take a toll on you? How did/do you deal with it?
This is pretty constant. People always say “it’s not a big deal” or “you’re never gonna be ready for it”. It takes quite a toll and is extremely discouraging.
Have you had any treatment to help? How effective are they?
Nothing specific for emetaphobia
Do you have/plan to have kids? If you have kids, how does that influence your experience with emetophobia? If you don’t have kids or plan to, are your reasons related to your emetophobia?
I don’t plan on kids and that’s almost completely dependent on emetaphobia
Have you lost opportunities due to having emetophobia?
Yes
Is there anything that having emetophobia has prevented you from doing that you really wish you could do?
Constantly
Does emetophobia affect your mental health?
Yes
How did/does emetophobia affect your education?
I miss a lot of class and I struggle to finish assignments sometimes
How does emetophobia affect your love life?
My partner is pretty accepting but he wants to go have lots of adventures with me that I’m too nervous to do with him so I miss out on a lot
How does emetophobia affect other aspects of your life?
I consistently gain and lose weight
What do you find is the biggest challenge of living with emetophobia?
The unpredictability of vomiting but mostly the constant nausea many of us deal with because we’re always living in fear
What are some “silly” things that your emetophobia has made you do, or some situations you have been in due to your emetophobia?
I ran outside butt ass naked while my partner was getting sick inside
What are things to NOT say or do to people who have emetophobia?
“You’ll never be ready for it”
What would you like to say to parents of people who have emetophobia?
Don’t let this phobia fester. It will consume your child’s life.
What do you think society could be doing to better serve people with emetophobia?
Movie or show warnings that there is vomiting
What would you like people to know about emetophobia?
It’s not a choice!