Emetophobia and sexual abuse

[lookingforacure]

Hey guys,
First of all, I wanted to say, Im excited to start using this site! I have been an Emetophobe for as long as I can remember. I am 24 years old and have 3 kids, I am constantly scared, especially when they get sick (as kids tend to do), and I have no help from my husband since he is working 24/7! I started going to therapy because I realized this phobia is making my life extremely difficult and affecting my parenting (always feeling like a horrible mother when Im scared of my own kid who *might* through up!).
I was sexually abused as a child, molested from as early on as I can remember until I got married. I have been reading that there might be a link between the sexual abuse and the phobia though I don't really see how. Do any of you suffering from Emetophobia have link to sexual abuse?
Would love to hear your thoughts! TIA!

[sweet]

No, I don't, and I'm sorry that you had to go through that as a child, but, I just wanted to say that this is not the first time I have heard about this link. It has come up before about emet and abuse. Would be interested to hear what others think and if there are any facts to back it up. Oh, and welcome to the site. ��

[mdgirl1977]

I was not a victim of sexual abuse but I was of emotional and physical abuse. I think there is a definite correlation between childhood abuse/trauma and many anxiety related disorders, like OCD, emet, GAD, etc. They link strongly to a feeling of a lack of control and fear based emotions. Usually these types of disorders come out in full force when we become adults and enter the work force and have families of our own because our individual lives get taken over by work responsibilities and kids needs.

I am so sorry you had to suffer that type of abuse as a child and I hope you have found a way to seek out therapy to address those feelings in a safe place. I imagine it is very shameful to talk about. I have a tough time talking about being hit and mentally abused and I am a 37 year old woman.

Welcome to our group. I hope you find comfort in knowing there are many of us like you (I am a mom too!)

[jmoore10]

Welcome to the site. I hope you find it to be a comfortable place where you can air your thoughts and fears amonst others who can understand the fear you live with
That said, I was sexually abused when I was around 9 years old. I don't think that had much bearing on my emetophobia as I've been phobic since around 6 or 7, well before any type of abuse occurred.

[lookingforacure]

Thank you all! Yes, I have read threads in the past but they were very old so I figured commenting on them may not get me replies, and I wanted to talk to people who have been through this and think it might be connected to them being emets. I know the whole "needing to be in control" thing can be a result of abuse. I am OCD, and I get how that can be connected. But why a phobia of V? I mean, there are other things you can't control in your body- like hiccups, which don't scare me (except when they make me feel nauseous), or diarrhea (except when I think it might be a SV and it may cause V). but my point is, Im not afraid of other things that have to do with the bodily functions unless it can lead to V! Anyway, looking for answers, hope to find some here from people who have been there, or are still there...
Thank you so much for your support and warm welcome!! BTW, is there anyone on this group who is a recovering emet? I am in therapy but I don't think its helping, I feel like nothing will help, so it would be nice to hear from someone who actually had a positive experience with therapy and finding a cure!
Sorry this was so long, clearly Im new and need to get it all out....

[Anie]

I don't know if sexual abuse has to do with emetophobia, but I was abused once when I was about 9 years old. I know many are saying it is related, but it's not the case for everyone.

[lookingforacure]

I don't know if sexual abuse has to do with emetophobia, but I was abused once when I was about 9 years old. I know many are saying it is related, but it's not the case for everyone.

I know its not the case for everyone. My question is, if it is the case for some or if its totally unrelated and need to keep searching for the cause... I feel like a cure usually comes after finding the cause, no?

[Anie]

I agree with you. I started to see a therapist and I would say it will be a long work... Talking with her made me realize how the person I am now is due to many experiences I had, not all pleasant. But I really hope one day I will be able to be happy and relieved.