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Del97

Updated 10mo ago

Tips for Coping with Emetophobia and Nausea

What can I do to better self soothe or cope when nauseas? I have been severely afraid of vomiting ever since I gained consciousness at like 5ish. I have also always been a generally anxious kid (hence the asd), but I grew out of a lot of my phobias with time and proper exposure. I get sick fairly frequently whether from food or virus, 2-5 periods of throwing up per year, none if I’m lucky and skip a year of stomach bug. But I can’t handle the anxiety when I’m worried I’m about to throw up. The adrenaline makes it all so much worse. I rock back and forth and stim and yawn repetitively to help, and I take stomach meds when needed/helpful. Does anyone else have experience with emetophobia (and maybe also asd or even anxiety) or have tips for how to self soothe when nauseas/worried ab throwing up?

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Bookworm23

1y

Throwing up is my biggest trigger. Unfortunately I keep all my anxiety in my stomach, which causes acid reflux, loss of appetite due to stomach clenching or being tense. Every morning for months, I would take my thyroid medication (which helped ease some of the anxiety), and then I would do an anxiety yoga that was suuuuuuuuuper gentle and slow. With my stomach holding all my anxiety, my therapist and I have worked on something called "truthing it out". So for example, I wake up in the morning and my stomach hurts. I am trying to train my brain to instead of going to "I'm sick, I'm going to throw up" to "you know this is anxiety" or "this is acid" or "gosh darn your stomach needs food!" lol I also do a good amount of meditation, whether listening to calming music, or a meditation guide (I like Balance - it's a meditation app), it helps me to recenter myself. Unfortunately there are times when none of this works and I have to take an alprazolam to chill out. I also have a vitamin I take that helps calm the system down - it's all natural ingredients so plus there.
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Bookworm23

1y

Sorry, forgot to mention a couple things - I went through traumatic experiences that caused my emetophobia so I am in EMDR therapy for it. Which helps greatly. Also, hobbies. I am so grateful for crocheting and paint by numbers. They have helped me with my anxiety.
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Mafuyu

1y

Yes!! I didn’t know the word for the positive talk, but I do that too! I try to remind myself that it’s just anxiety and that I won’t get sick, it helps me calm down a little more.
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Mafuyu

1y

I’m so sorry that you go through that! I’m the same way, even thinking of v*muting makes me anxious. For me personally, taking Zofran everyday helps me a lot! Please talk to your doctor about it first, but it’s definitely helped me. While I don’t get nauseous a lot, I still take it because it makes me feel safe, you know? Of course I take it when my stomach acts up, but taking it every morning put into my head that I’m safe and that I won’t get nauseous. You can also try positive talking! Try and tell yourself that you won’t get nauseous and try some meditation to calm yourself down. Panicking can definitely make it worse as it makes your stomach tense up. So relaxing will really help!
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Bookworm23

1y

love this! Is Zofran an antidepressant or stomach soother? Also, feel free to message me and @Del97 if you want to support each other!
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wise

1y

if you don't have a history of QT prolongation, sublingual zofran is your best friend. if you can't get a prescription, bulk buying candied ginger is a worthy investment. I've heard good things about peppermint candies, but I've never personally had them because I'm allergic
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Paperheartz

1y

So one time in the ER i was told something weird but useful and effective! Apparently there have been studies to even prove that it works. So rubbing alcohol. I have a port-a-cath so i have so many little square alcohol prep pads to sanitize an area. Apparently though the smell is also good for naseua XD I was skeptical at first but believe it or not it does help sometimes. Of course there's those times the body takes charge and says "not today buddy. We are gonna do this regardless!" But it HAS helped in other situations. I deal with daily nausea. I have cyclical vomiting syndrome, which is as bad as it sounds when you have a phobia about vomiting. >.< So i have IV Zoran (generic name: Ondansetron), I utilize those little alcohol wipes, and if all else fails i actually have a little patch that goes behind the ear and lasts up to 3 days. It's called Scopolamine patch. That might also be worth an ask to your doctor ^_^ good luck and remember your not alone.
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Del97

1y

I’m so sorry that you have that, my boyfriend had severe cyclical vomiting from CHS (cannabis long term heavy use) which was hard to even just watch with my emetaphobia, I can’t imagine. Today I used hand germex at the gym to smell which helped my nausea (working out can make it worse). I’m going to ask mydr ab zoftan and I’ll look into scopolamine!

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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