Emetophobia facts for kids

Emetophobia is a very strong fear of vomiting, or seeing someone else vomit. People with this fear might also be scared of feeling nausea, which is that sick feeling in your stomach. This condition is more common in females. Unlike some other specific fears, the fear of vomiting doesn't always get a lot of attention.

This problem often starts because of upsetting or embarrassing experiences during your teenage years (around 12 to 19 years old).

What is Emetophobia?

Emetophobia is a type of phobia, which is an intense and unreasonable fear of something. For someone with emetophobia, the thought of vomiting can cause a lot of anxiety and panic. It's more than just disliking throwing up; it's a deep, overwhelming fear that can affect daily life.

What Does Emetophobia Feel Like?

When someone with emetophobia thinks about or is near vomit, they might feel very anxious. They could experience physical signs like a racing heart, sweating, shaking, or feeling dizzy. They might also feel sick to their stomach, which can make their fear even worse. These feelings are part of a "fight or flight" response.

How Emetophobia Affects Daily Life

This fear can make everyday activities difficult. People with emetophobia might avoid certain foods or places. They might not want to go to school, parties, or public places where someone could get sick. They might also wash their hands a lot or check food carefully to avoid getting sick. This can make it hard to hang out with friends or try new things.

What Causes Emetophobia?

Often, emetophobia starts after a bad experience with vomiting. This could be when someone was very sick themselves, or saw someone else get sick in a way that was scary or embarrassing. It's like the brain learns to connect vomiting with danger or extreme discomfort. Sometimes, it can also be linked to other anxiety issues.

Getting Help for Emetophobia

If you or someone you know has emetophobia, it's important to know that help is available. Talking to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or school counselor, is a great first step. They can help you find a doctor or a therapist. Therapists can teach ways to manage the fear, like slowly getting used to things that cause anxiety in a safe way. This is called exposure therapy. Learning about the fear and how to cope can make a big difference.