What is it?

What is it that us emetophobes fear so much? Emetophobia isn't like other phobias, it's different for each emetophobe. Arachnophobia for example, is a fear of spiders. It's not a fear of spiders of a certain size, or colour or type, it's just a fear of spiders. Emetophobia is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. I can pretty much guarantee that as an emetophobe, you'll have lots of elements to your phobia, with each one being prioritised from absolute worst to least worst. And these will be different for each emet.

To be general about it, it can be broken down into three main categories. Category a) people who are afraid of themselves vomiting. Category b) people who are afraid of other people vomiting. And category c) people who are afraid of both themselves and of other people vomiting. And no matter which category you fall into, you won't be scared of the same element as every other person in that category. By 'element' I mean whatever part of the vomiting process you're scared of.

For example, I'd say I fall into category a). I used to be category c). but over the years, as I've explored my phobia in-depth I've realised that while I really don't like it when others vomit and can't physically bring myself to watch, that's not the crux of my phobia. (disclaimer - if someone has noro and vomits then I am scared. I am more than scared, I am TERRIFIED. Although analysing this further I've realised that this is still category a) as it's merely me being scared of catching noro and vomiting myself). It's complicated isn't it?

So what is your thing? what is is about vomiting that puts the fear up you? Is it the loss of control? A lot of emetophobes are control freaks to a certain extent, and vomiting is a bodily function that we often don't have control over. Is it the fear of doing it in public? I'm a bit scared of this, it would be horrendous but it's not the main fear within my fear. My main fears are the feelings that you get leading up to it - the bubbling, churning, hot stomach; the gas and bile rising in your throat; the cold sweat you break out in. I'm freaking out just typing about it! Also the sight and sound of it. I'm terrified of hearing and seeing myself doing it but how can I avoid it! ARRRGGGGGHHHHHHH, I need to go and lie down!