Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting. We all have some degree of fear about vomiting or being in close proximity to someone who is. It isn’t the most pleasant experience for anyone after all! However, there are individuals panic-stricken by even the thought of vomiting. In fact, this phobia is particularly common in children. On average, 6% – 7% of females and 1.7% – 3.1% of males experience emetophobia.
What causes emetophobia?
It is hard to pinpoint what causes Emetophobia. It can be a combination of factors including genetics and if the child is already extremely anxious. However, emetophobia is commonly triggered by a traumatic experience involving vomiting. The phobia is not restricted to a specific age. However, emetophobia is typically triggered at a young age and can persist into adulthood if not appropriately supported.
How will I know if my child might have emetophobia?
As a parent, it can be difficult to find out what is bothering your child. At a young age, they will struggle to express their worries and thoughts to you. If you are concerned about your child’s health or suspect they might have this condition talk to your GP first. They will advise on the most appropriate treatment and support for your child. A proper diagnosis by a medical professional is essential, however, if your child suffers from emetophobia there are some practical techniques you can put into place to help them.
What can I do if my child has emetophobia?
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- Don’t dismiss the issue. Consider this as a phobia until you have a medical diagnosis and be there to support your child.
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- Try to avoid making make false promises. For example, ‘if you wear this necklace it will stop you feeling sick.’
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- Find out as much as you can about your child’s relationship with this issue. Getting a clear understanding of the phobia can help you consider what can be done to support your child. So consider the following: when did it start? when does it affect them? how does it make them feel?
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- Encourage them to have a focus for the day or the week. For example, to pick 3 things they are looking forward to this week. The more they focus on this the less they will focus on their phobia. Suggest that they write or draw these things and then put it on the fridge or somewhere they can see it every day.
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- Remind them they have power over their body and how they feel. Give them simple physical examples like drinking some water or rubbing their tummy.
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- Empower them by helping to draw a picture of something that makes them feel powerful and put it somewhere they can see it regularly. For example, it could be them dressed as their favourite superhero or it could be a strong animal like a tiger or lion.
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- Help them come up with some ways they can help themselves if they are starting to feel sick, like asking for a drink of water or for a window to be opened.
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- Create a comfort box and encourage them to use it when they start to worry about being sick. Check out our article on how to create and use a comfort box.
Maria Gallacher
Counsellor - Children and Young People at The Spark
Maria is a member of the British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists and a Children and Young People Counsellor with The Spark. She works with children from 5 to 11 years of age in Primary schools in Scotland. Maria’s research interests include anxiety and phobias.
Counselling for children and young people
The Spark is the biggest provider of in-school counselling for children and young people in Scotland. Primary and secondary schools rely on us to help their pupils deal with difficult or traumatic issues.
Our team of highly qualified and accredited professional counsellors also work individually with children and young people outside of school.
All counsellors are BACP or COSCA accredited with advanced qualifications in their field and extensive experience. To find out more, speak to one of our advisors on 0808 802 0050 or contact us online.
Find out more about our services for Primary schools and Secondary schools.
Good resources for more information on emetophobia include NHS Choices, Anxiety UK and Emetophobia.org website.
My daughters fear of being sick is the worst possible case. She has developed anxiety due to this and her eating is horrendous now how do I help her.
Hello Aimee,
Thank you for your message. If you are based in Scotland, please give us a call on 0808 802 2088 and one of our team can talk you through some ways we can help you to support your daughter.
Thanks, The Spark Counselling Team.
Hi My daughter is 17 and has had a phobia of other people being sick, being ill herself as it may make her sick or even seeing or smelki n gbthings that mY cause her to get anxious which brings on the feeling she is going to be sick. We thought the feeling sick was a misunderstood feeling of anxiety. We now know this to be wrong. She has memories of traumatic situations where another child was violently sick in front of her abd another whilst driving in the car. I understand her fear but I cannot understand why this is now presenting itself as an anxiety brought on by simply going out in public, being around people eating. She doesn’t have any eating problems UNLESS she is in the middle of a or POST having a panic attack, then she’ll not feel like eating until the feeling subsides. Please please help me rescue my daughter. She was an IVF baby who came into our lives after if had an illness which very nearly killed me. She’s always been a happy child but now I see her sad lost days and it destroys me. She has a boyfriend but so much of their time is spent indoors trying to breathe through her panic attacks and anxiety. I don’t know where to turn and cry alone most days because I’m helpless. Her local youth Councillor doesn’t seem to make any improvements.
Hello Neil. We would encourage you to call us on freephone 0808 802 2088 to speak to one of our counsellors and see how we might be able to support you both. Please note, we can only provide services to you and/or your daughter if you and/or your daughter are permanently resident in Scotland. Thanks for your message. The Spark Counselling Team.
Hi, my 9 year old daughter is suffering from an eating disorder due to Emetophobia, is there an equivalent service to yours in England?
Hello Ian.
Thanks for your message. We would advise contacting your local GP to establish a definitive diagnosis for your daughter in the first instance. They may be able to advise on suitable support services in your area.
Below are some links to organisations that might be suitable. We are not, however, able to provide any recommendation as to their suitability, availability or efficacy as a service for this particular issue.
https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/help-children-and-young-people/children-and-young-peoples-counselling
https://www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
https://www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/other-services/Eating%20disorder%20support/LocationSearch/341
We wish your daughter and you the very best.
The Spark Counselling Team.