Everyone's afraid of something, whether it's spiders, heights or clowns, but for Kristen, 14, her fear of being sick was so severe that it was ruining her life. She shares her story...
Kristen's Story
I've always been a bit weird with things like eating out, even eating round my friends houses would make me feel uncomfortable.
I've never wanted to eat anywhere but my house, and sometimes eating out would make me throw up. I didn't take this seriously though as I was young.
But as I grew older things progressively got worse. It started when I was round my friends house. We had eaten a bunch of ice cream and were just messing around.
We were on her bed when all of a sudden I felt like I was going to be sick. I got really panicky because the feeling just came out of nowhere, but before I could do anything it all came up and I threw up.
My fear
My mum came and picked me up but I was scared to go round my friend's house again in case I was sick - stupid, right? I mean I kept telling myself it was probably just the ice cream but I still felt nervous.
“I was scared of going out in case I vomited.”
Some days later I slept round another friend's house and the same thing happened. This time it was like I knew I was going to be sick before I even went there. And because I had gotten myself into such a state I threw up.
From then on I was scared of going out in case I vomited. It was really getting me down, and I was really scared by the idea of going back to school. I was worried about being out and about and what would happen if I felt ill again.
Images posed by models. Some names have been changed.
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Back at school
When I eventually did have to go back to school I couldn't cope - I kept worrying about being sick and throwing up a lot. I decided enough was enough and took it upon myself to go see the school counsellor.
“It really holds me back from doing a lot of the things I want to do.”
She was so nice and kind and really listened to what I was going through. I feel like she's really trying to help me - which makes me feel supported.
She makes time to see my mum every other week now which is good because my mum gets filled in on our progress.
It really does take over your life, though. I can't even sit in my lessons anymore without going to the toilet for fear of throwing up. I get in a right panic everywhere I go in case I'm sick. It really holds me back from doing a lot of the things I want to do.
Hope for the future
My counsellor has suggested I go see a doctor and I've booked an appointment which is a big step for me. I'm feeling quite hopeful about it ,so that's a positive step.
If you are going through this or something similar you really should talk to someone.
Lots of people suffer from it, and I thought I was a freak at first but since having counselling I've realised I'm not the only one with this illness - it's actually a mental problem. I hope my story can help you come forward and get support.
More information:
Information about emetophobia (the fancy name for a fear of being sick)
Triumph over Phobia: a national network of self-help groups
Phobics Awareness: help for phobias and panic attacks
Images posed by models. Some names have been changed.
Pictures posed by models.
Your comments
Laurrahh, 14
Wow, i feel really emotional for you, it must be horrible, but im glad your on the right tracks to getting this illness sorted, goodluck.
Anon, 16
I had exactly the same thing, except I was never actually sick. I would just get so worked up and feel so sick i'd hyperventilate. I went to see a councillor but it didn't help much. The only thing that did help was being with my friends, and making sure I didn't shut myself off anymore by not going out or going to school. If you're going through the same thing, don't let anyone make you feel like it's insignificant, and surround yourself with your friends and family, because trust me, they'll pull you out of it and make sure you get better. You're not alone :)
katie, 14
i have a fear of sick. Everyone always says how can you be scared of sick, i just say well how can you be scared of spiders? I'm not as afriad as you but even if someone says i feel sick i get really shakey. I'm glad to know i aren't the only one :) x
Polly, 16
I have emetophobia as well. It's horrible because people don't understand what you're going through and just think you're weird. Mine is a bit different- I am just worried generally about being sick, and someone else being sick. If one of my family/ friends even feels slightly ill I get really panicky, and the same with myself feeling ill. It's a life-stopping phobia and well done for getting help. I can't bring up the courage to.
Demi, 14
well i think it was upsetting a bit because you couldnt go out anywere and have fun with out beein sickand i thik its a good thing that your tellin us this thank you hope everything works out ok
ruth, 15
i always used to feel sick where ever i used to go, i never wanted to eat anything just incase it was what i was eating. it turned out that i was just really nervous of what would happen in the day. Every thing will be ok soon :)
Chloe, 16
This is so strange, i suffer from exactly the same thing! it all started for me when meeting boys, i couldnt go out without being sick, i was so nervous all the time, and then when i did end up going out with them, if i went out for a meal with them id be sick. Thankfully, i got over my nerves to meet my current boyfriend, weve been together nearly 7 months and i couldnt be happyier! the things iv got to tackle now is eating out with my boyfriend. Im really scaared about the future and whats going to happen, especially with college and meeting new people this year, i feel like im not going to be able to have a life. iv seen my doctor and she just said calm down. iv tryed books, cds, tablets and everything yet nothings seemed to work. im so glad someone feels the same way, i wish the best of luck to kristen! x
Becca, 16
Oh my goodness, this is exactly what I have been suffering with since I was about 13!!
Sarah, 14
wow i never knew being sick could affect some1 so much x
Jessica, 14
i have this exact same problem ever since i was 10.it took over my life.i couldn't even hang out with my family because i was terrified of going out.to read that someone else has the same problem as me and got through it really inspires me. i wish Kristen the best of luck.
Daisy, 16
I'd like to thank you for publishing this story, i didn;t think anyone else felt the way that i did. This had made me feel ten times better and inspired me to get help. So thank you. XX
Laura, 15
aww bless you! my best mate has the same problem and has done for a while. i shall let him know that he should probably see someone about it, thankyou so much, you're not alone and good luck! :)xx
