When I was in the first grade I threw up all over my desk and all of the children starred and pointed. Ever since then I've had this fear about throwing up in front of people. It wouldn't be such a big deal, but whenever I have an anxiety attack I automatically get sick! It's like a reflex! If for some reason I start to panic the urge to puke becomes so intense that all I can do is throw up! I'm starting to be more socially withdrawn because of this. Anyone else have this problem or have any advice??? Thanks!

Hi Ashley ! My name is Ashes. Im not exactly sure that I understand you perfectly. I have Emetophobia, which is the fear of vomiting, and for some its the fear of seeing vomit or being around it or seeing it on tv or for some its even that they are afraid to say the words vomit or nausea or stomach virus etc... Are you saying that you are afraid to throw up? Or do you mean that you actually do throw up, but are afraid to do it in public? Im just trying to understand further what your actual fear is. I can help explain more about emetophobia to you if thats what you have, as I have been living with it since I was about 4 years old. But if its not emet, then Im not exactly sure, but I will try to help with what I can. Welcome to ofear btw. - Ashes

Hi! Thank you so much for responding! I don't have a fear of throwing up or seeing it. I just have the fear that I'm going to do it in public. I don't care about throwing up in my own home or anything like that. It's just that I have anxiety attacks that cause me to automatically make me sick and I worry about throwing up which causes the anxiety attack. So you see it's a vicious cycle! I'm not sure if I have emetophobia or more social anxiety. The act of throwing up doesn't really bother me. It's doing it in public that I'm afraid of. Any input on this would be greatly appreciated! Thank-you!

I can't be of any actual help, but I googled a bit to see under which category "fear of throwing up in public" would be, and according to wikipedia it falls under emetophobia.

"Emetophobia is an intense, irrational fear or anxiety pertaining to vomiting. This specific phobia can also include subcategories of what causes the anxiety, including a fear of vomiting in public, a fear of seeing vomit, a fear of watching the action of vomiting or fear of being nauseated."

So yeah...I haven't cured you but at least you know what to call it :twisted:
If you google "fear of vomiting in public" there seem to be a lot of other people with your specific fear. Maybe you can find some helpful tips by reading what they have to say?

Your welcome on posting back! sbiggrin As far as what your dealing with, I agree with Harold that it is probly a sub-category of emetophobia, but I also think that you are right..I think its more of a social anxiety. With most emetophobics the thing you hafta cure is that they compulsively do rituals to keep themselves from catching anything or eating anything that will make them vomit because its the actual vomit they are afraid of, where as social phobics are usually more afraid of being embarassed or stared at in public for doing something like throwing up, passing out, or saying something stupid. All of it involves irrational fear tho. I dont know that I can offer much help, as I have not been able to cure myself, but I am here to talk if you need to. - Ashes

Thank-you both so much for your responses! =] I think knowing there are others out there like me helps a great deal! This fear is definitely effecting my life negatively, but I refuse to let it take over! If you have any ideas or advice at any time please contact me. If you need a shoulder to lean on I'm here! Thanks again!

Ashley

This thread will help my bestfriend a lot. I will ask her to read this thread so she could also overcome her anxiety..