Deal With Emetophobia

Emetophobia, or the fear of vomiting, is not a commonly known fear, but for those who have it, it affects more aspects of life than would may be readily apparent. Emetophobes often become avoident of a variety of situations, including trying new foods, flying or driving, use of medicines even when they become necessary, social drinking, and many others. Worse still, simply being slightly nauseated is often enough to trigger a panic reaction in an emetophobe - which often worsens the nausea that caused it, and so forth.

Steps

 * 1)  Learn about various anti-emetics. Browse your local drugstore for ones that are available over the counter. Ginger has long been believed to have anti-emetic properties, as well as many other health benefits.
 * 2)  Learn about what triggers nausea in your body. Perhaps you can't stand the smell of ranch dressing. Whatever it is, try to avoid it as much as possible.
 * 3)  If you are prone to motion sickness, talk to your doctor about various drugs to prevent it and allow you to travel.
 * 4)  If you wish to participate in social drinking, learn your limits without pushing them. Stop drinking as soon as you feel buzzed. This is a conservative way to avoid vomiting or nausea.
 * 5)  Realize that nearly all medicines list nausea as a possible side effect. Try not to let this stop you from taking them. Talk to your doctor about the odds of this particular side effect. If they're higher than you care to risk, discuss alternatives, and the pros and cons of the drug. There may be something easier on the stomach.
 * 6)  If you do take medicines, be sure to follow the instructions to the letter. Some must be taken with food. Some must be taken on an empty stomach. If there are no instructions about that, ask your doctor or pharmacist what would be best.
 * 7)  Learn relaxation techniques to deal with the panic attacks your phobia will trigger. Take deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Consciously relax all of the muscles in your body. Repeat to yourself, "I'll be okay, I'll be okay", or whatever words work best for you.
 * 8)  Some emetophobics find that when they feel nauseous, placing the palms of their hands against a very cool surface helps.
 * 9) If your emetophobia is really bad, ask your doctor about pills you can take that will prevent nausea and vomiting. The pills are usually used for chemotherapy patients, but will work when you're just feeling downright sick.

Warnings

 * Don't let your phobia rule (or ruin!) your life.
 * Focusing more on your fear itself than on overcoming it can actually make your emetophobia worse.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Overcome a Fear of Daddy Long Legs
 * How to Overcome a Fear of the Sun (Heliophobia)
 * How to Overcome Ophthalmophobia
 * How to Vomit While Driving