Emetophobia Help for Teenagers
Emetophobia when you're an adolescent can really impact your life, preventing you from being able to make the most of your teenage years and do things that you would otherwise be able to.
Emetophobia can appear in different ways. You might:
- Fear other people being sick
- Fear being sick yourself
- Fear both
- Mainly fear being sick in public
As a teenager with emetophobia, there is often a lot of shame and embarrassment around it, and you probably feel isolated and 'different' to your peers. It can be hard to explain the daily struggles and constant anxiety you're experiencing to people - maybe they've put you on the spot and challenged you about why you can't do something, or told you 'being sick isn't so bad.' This is frustrating, but it's important to recognise your feelings are valid and this is a very real phobia.
We have 2 options for teenagers with emetophobia (see below). Both will enable you to overcome your emetophobia and get you enjoying life again. It really is possible and predictable to reach a stage where you're no longer anxious, worrying or avoiding life.
Emetophobia symptoms in teenagers can include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Eating difficulties which can lead to anorexia, ARFID (avoidant restrictive food-intake disorder)
- Avoiding school
- Anxiety & Panic Attacks
- Self-harm
- OCD (e.g. checking use-by-dates, hand-washing)
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Social anxiety
- Difficulty going on family holidays
- Fear of going on car journeys
- Social withdrawal
- Feeling suicidal
- Avoidance of food/objects/situations that were present when you were last sick
- Persistent feelings of nausea
- Lacking confidence
- Avoiding social gatherings in case other people are sick
Because emetophobia is similar to other mental health issues and it is still not widely known about, misdiagnosis can often occur.
If you are like I was and things aren’t working for you and you want your life back, get the book, it’s the best investment I ever made. It’s just awesome.
Manual
The Young Person's edition of the emetophobia manual has everything you need to overcome emetophobia.
It is a simple process, designed to only take 6-8 weeks. The manual contains a simple and fun step-by-step process with reading and exercises that enable you to not only beat their phobia but build up your self-confidence and self-esteem. There is NO exposure involved and you do not need to delve into triggering memories. It's the nicest, simplest way to beat your phobia!
The manual is also available in Danish.
Thrive Programme Coach®
Since it was launched over 10 years ago, we've taken thousands of teenagers through The Thrive Programme for Emetophobia. All coaches are fully trained in how best to tailor their approach for you.
Working with a Thrive Programme Coach® takes 6-8 weeks and is £895 per person, and we can keep in touch afterwards to ensure you are fully over your emetophobia and 'thriving.' It is possible to pay in instalments and all coaches offer a free initial consultation to find out more about you and your needs. If you are under 16 your parent/guardian also needs to work through the programme. Book a free no-obligation consultation with a Thrive Programme Coach® and we can chat about what works best for you.
When I had emetophobia I missed a lot of my life. I missed a lot of school. I stayed inside a lot, I didn't go to social events at all. I basically locked myself in my room all day and all night starving myself...The emetophobia book was by far the best treatment I've had for emetophobia.
