Hypnotherapy for Fear of Sickness (Emetophobia)

 
 
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What is Emetophobia?

Emetophobia is the fear of sickness. It is a debilitating anxiety disorder that can take over our whole lives. The triggers of emetophobia can vary from person to person; it can be a fear of being sick anywhere and anytime, it can be a fear of being sick in public, it can also be a fear of witnessing other people vomit. In severe cases, this disorder can prevent sufferers from leaving the house due to fear of catching a sickness bug.

Symptoms and characteristics include

  • Fear of eating outside the home or eating food someone else has made in case it causes sickness

  • Constant washing of hands or using antibacterial gel to prevent the spread of germs

  • Fear of pregnancy due to symptoms of sickness

  • Fear of consuming alcohol due to potential sickness

  • Fear of being around drunk people who could vomit

  • Avoidance of situations that can’t be escaped if someone were to vomit, e.g. planes, trains, car journeys with a group.

  • Not wanting to take any medication that may cause nausea or vomiting as a side effect

  • Fear of children being ill

  • Only eating very plain or basic food to avoid sickness

  • If an emetophobic person witnesses someone being sick they are likely to; have a panic attack, cry or scream, escape the situation as quickly as possible, convince themselves that they too will be sick.

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“Emetophobia is very hard to talk about because it can seem like a lot of people have never heard of it before.”

Anon

How can Hypnotherapy help with Emetophobia?

Hypnotherapy can be an effective tool for overcoming phobias, during your consultation your therapist will identify your specific symptoms and characteristics of emetophobia and tailor the treatment plan to suit you. 

Hypnotherapy can begin to help you alter the beliefs of your subconscious in a safe space. This is done through deep relaxation and positive suggestions, challenging your fear or phobia to change from a negative to a neutral reaction. This change can enable you to live your life without fear and open up many more situations and opportunities for you that have been overtaken by emetophobia until now.