Emetophobia: Megan’s Story Megan’s story about her fear of sick, also known as Emetophobia
Having fears and phobias can be a debilitating, draining and a scary experience, having to avoid certain situations and feeling frightened by certain stimuli can cause physical, emotional and mental responses that can be linked from a past event or memory linked to it.
It is normal and even helpful to experience fear in dangerous situations. Fear has serves a protective purpose throughout evolution, activating the automatic “fight-or-flight” response from ‘caveman’ days. With our bodies and minds alert and ready for action, we are able to respond quickly and protect ourselves. But with phobias the threat is nonexistent or greatly exaggerated. For example, it is only natural to be afraid of a snarling Doberman, but it is irrational to be terrified of a friendly poodle on a leash, as you might be if you have a dog phobia. Or even the fear of the ocean or water, for example, could be from seeing the film Jaws as a child or a traumatic experience in earlier life, these are subconscious responses that can affect your life and wellbeing. Through bringing our unconscious triggers into state of consciousness – we then understand where the fears and phobias originated and then find ways to avoid the trigger or find a way to cope with the fear, rather than letting it control our lives.
so, what is Fear?
Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. It is programmed into the nervous system and works like an instinct. From the time we’re infants, we are equipped with the survival instincts necessary to respond with fear when we sense danger or feel unsafe.
and what is a Phobia?
A phobia is an intense fear reaction to a particular thing or a situation. With a phobia, the fear is out of proportion to the potential danger. But to the person with the phobia, the danger feels real because the fear is so very strong.
Here are some Tools to help with Fears and phobias: