Podcast : Terrified of being sick? Just tell me I'm not crazy!
How old were you when you first started worrying about being sick?
Did you tell anyone about it?
Who have you told now?
In this week’s podcast, Rob is joined by Thrive Programme Coach ® and ex-emetophobe Michelle to talk about what it’s like growing up with emetophobia, why so many people hide it from family members, and what happened when she finally told people about her fear.
Many emetophobes feel afraid of telling anyone about their phobia. They fear being judged or people thinking they’re crazy which often leads to feelings of isolation growing up. Often people can’t explain their worries to parents and family-members, or that safety-seeking behaviours such as avoiding food are down to a fear of vomit.
Many adults spend all day battling their fears alone, fire-fighting and planning their life around avoiding being sick. This might involve making up creative excuses to avoid events where they could feel anxious, out of control or there might be a slim chance of getting ill. Emetophobes often feel unable to explain the real reason they can’t make an event or party, which only leads to further isolation or misunderstanding from friends - when it’s likely many will (And a few might even have similar fears themselves!)
Michelle talks candidly about her experience growing up, how the emetophobia manual helped her and how she realised she was able to overcome her emetophobia once and for all.
It’s a great podcast this week and a great introduction to Michelle, who’s full of valuable insights which she will be sharing on some more upcoming podcasts. Watch this space for more podcasts with Michelle, Rob and Joe, and if you’re lucky we may even be introducing some more new faces ��
Have you watched our other Emetophobia Podcasts?