Teenager Lauren Overcomes Emetophobia! - Lauren was a teenager with a fear of being sick but has overcome emetophobia and panic attacks with The Thrive Programme.

Teenager Lauren is just like any other young lady - she wants to have a fun and interesting life with lots of friends and no panic attacks, fears or phobias holding her back. But she was a teenager with a fear of being sick, suffering from panic attacks and anxiety around sickness for years. She would often react to social situations in a way that her mum described as "frightening." This had a very negative impact on her life and family, as it does for many emetophobia sufferers.

Emetophobia is a fear of vomit or sick, also known as a Specific Fear of Vomit. It affects up to 8% of women worldwide and is often misdiagnosed or untreated, leaving sufferers feeling helpless and alone. It can also be associated with anxiety disorders and depression as sufferers struggle to cope. When you are a parent of a teenager with a fear of being sick, you can feel uncertain how to help and support them.

Lauren would struggle to eat normally or do normal things like go to the cinema or theatre, for fear of encountering someone being sick or something make her vomit. She lacked confidence and resilience and would avoid social situations, which affected her friendships and school life.

But, then she found a Thrive Programme Coach, who took her through the special young person's version of the Cure Your Emetophobia manual - Cure Your Emetophobia Young Person’s Edition. After working hard over a few sessions Lauren said: "I feel a lot more confident and I've got my self-esteem back. I can now do a lot of the things that I couldn't before."

And her Mum said: "I feel like I've got my daughter back! Before all of this, she was sociable and confident, then she went through this stage (the phobia) but I've got my daughter back now."

Lauren is now living a normal life and Thriving, free of her phobia and panic attacks - well done Lauren!

Emetophobia often starts in childhood and can heavily impact the child's ability to function and enjoy life. It can be confusing and worrying for the parents to understand and navigate. If you have a child or teenager with a fear of being sick, we would recommend the specially adapted Cure Your Emetophobia Young Person’s Edition, aimed at children/teenagers age 8-18. We also have the book in Danish - The Emetophobia Workbook for Teenagers Danish Edition

Living with a teenager with a fear of being sick can often be hugely disruptive for the family, and can often leave the parents feeling helpless. Family and solo therapy can be very beneficial in supporting you on your journey to recovery. Locate a licensed Thrive Programme Coach to find someone near you who can help.