Understanding Emetophobia – The Fear Of Being Sick

Emetophobia is known by many names (emetophobia, phagophobia, vomitophobia, vomit phobia, sickness phobia, fear of vomiting, fear of gagging, fear of swallowing, fear of choking, globus hystericus), but whatever you call it this condition can affect sufferers deeply.

There are also a number of other fears that can be associated with a fear of being sick:

  • Gagging
  • Seeing others being sick
  • Choking on food
  • Pregnancy (due to possibility of morning sickness)
  • Drowning
  • Social phobia/Anxiety

Suffering from Emetophobia

This is a condition that appears to affect more women than men and if you are someone who suffers with emetophobia, you will know only too well that the symptoms can seriously affect and limit your ability to enjoy life to the full as this condition can have a very disabling effect on the sufferer.

Many sufferers will avoid all places where there is a possibility of themselves, or others, being sick: for example pubs, restaurants, clubbing, eating in front of others.  Due to the link between eating and potentially being sick, many sufferers are a little obsessive about what, where and with who they will eat.  Many view being sick as 'horrible’, ‘dirty’, ‘yucky' etc, and so it is quite common for emetophobics to also have fears of other situations where they might feel the same way:  going to the toilet, urinating in front of others (e.g. at a public urinal - shy bladder), or even just being a little bit sweaty.

How Hypnotherapy And Mind Management Coaching Can Help with Emetophobia

A course of hypnotherapy combined with some cognitive therapy and/or Brainworking recursive therapy  will help you to fully resolve all issues relating to your fear of being sick, leaving you free to lead a life without symptoms in future. It would also provide you with a greater sense of self; it will boost self-confidence and self-esteem; it will help you build on your self-belief and you will find yourself being calm, self-assured and confident in situations where previously you may have experienced your most severe symptoms.

An added bonus is that hypnosis is wonderfully relaxing and reduces stress levels.

Here at East Cheshire Hypnotherapy, I realise that when you speak to me it may be the first time you have discussed your fear of being sick. I will help you to feel at ease so that you feel comfortable and free to talk about your symptoms in a safe and friendly environment. I understand how difficult it can be to talk about emetophobia and to seek help, but if you would like to rid yourself of emetophobia and resolve any related emotional issues forever, I am confident that I can help you.