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I struggle with this as well, and had it since I was 8 years old. It started, when I was put on antibiotic therapy for six months. The medication was hard on my stomach. I took the pill every morning, when I ate my breakfast. By the time I got to school, my stomach was upset. As a result I gradually developed a fear of vomiting in the classroom and in public places.
I have developed rituals around my fear in an attempt to mitigate the worry. It got so bad, that I couldn't eat out, and be near people who were sick with gastroenteritis. Food preparation became tedious. The fear was taking over. I had to do something, so I mentioned it to my shrink. Now I take medication. It has dramatically lessened my ritualistic behaviors and the emetophobia. It hasn't been completely eliminated, but I can now eat out and be around people who are sick.
My stomach is messed up. When I was younger, I was treated for gastritis twice. I have GERD and get nausea regularly. Sometimes my stomach feels raw, which can be very uncomfortable. This discomfort keeps the fear alive, but it isn't obsessive like it once was. I have learned ways to cope with the nausea without vomiting.
Do you have an anxiety disorder?
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Dx: Didgee Disorder
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