Emetophobia?
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Emetophobia?
| Thu, 07-06-2006 - 6:50pm |
I've suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for as long as I can remember, having panic attacks even when I was a toddler. I'm 19 now, and recently a change of my anxiety has occurred - I've always been extremely uncomfortable eating in restaurants or around people, having bouts of extreme nausea and dizziness whenever faced with putting food in my mouth. If I don't have to eat anything, I'm fine, but when food is set in front of me, I panic. This has been going on as long as I can remember. Lately, however, I'm noticing that I'm actually alright with eating. It's after I've already eaten that the anxiety sets in.. I find myself suddenly terrified that I will vomit. Of course, the nausea that comes with the anxiety doesn't help at all. Even after I have escaped the restaurant and gone home, I find myself nauseous and afraid that I will vomit for hours afterwards. I haven't thrown up since I was very small, 4 or 5 years old, and even with the anxiety-related nausea, I never worried about vomiting until just recently. I read up on it and the fear of vomiting is known as emetephobia. Could I have developed this? How do I overcome it without having to actually throw up?

Hello & welcome!
Sheri Ann
In the meantime, I think you should give yourself credit for going out to eat in spite of your fears. Remind yourself of how strong & courageous that is. Think positively & try breathing slowly through your nose when the fear hits. Finding something to distract your thoughts helps too. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan