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 I'm starting to be more socially withdrawn because of this.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! 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?

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..