Emetophobia is an incredibly misunderstood anxiety. In its simplest form, it is defined as a fear of vomit. However, emetophobia encompasses a far larger struggle that affects daily social interactions and fuels additional mental health problems.
It is also ultimately defined as a “woman’s phobia”. Many men who suffer from emetophobia will simply define themselves as (socially) anxious. Although some symptoms overlap between the two, doing so ignores the nuances of this phobia that will assist you in recovery.
What Are the Symptoms of Emetophobia?
People with this disorder usually experience fears surrounding:
- Vomiting (at home or in public).
- Nausea.
- Not being able to stop vomiting.
- Seeing others vomit.
- Being around sick people.
- Embarrassment and shame around vomiting.
Similar to most phobias, symptoms can manifest through entirely separate situations from the actual fear. While emetophobia is centred around vomiting and nausea, symptoms can manifest through physical and emotional signs such as:
- Anxiety.
- Nervousness.
- Panic.
- Distress.
- Increased heart rate.
- Shaking or sweating.
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Tight feeling in your chest.
- Nausea.
These symptoms largely prevail across emetophobia. Recognising and acknowledging them will help you manage your triggers and reactions.
Can Men Suffer From Emetophobia?
The short answer is yes. Like most phobias, gender is not a restriction. But men have a historic tendency to ignore and suppress their feelings. While this is not restricted to those with emetophobia, it is very common amongst sufferers.
Clinical and social studies have shown that emetophobia is extremely female-dominated, with over 91% of adult sufferers being women. In other words, out of every ten emetophobes, only one is male.
While there is no definitive cause of emetophobia or a specific reason for this gendered gap, women are known to experience higher levels of disgust propensity compared to men. This can influence sensitivity to vomit and, therefore, increase the development of a phobia.
However, more research into emetophobia is being conducted and is presenting interesting revelations. Some local studies, such as van Hout and Bouman’s, have discovered a community sample where over 20% of emetophobes are men.
Not only has there been more research, but there has also been a significant increase in social acknowledgement of this fear. Due to this, male diagnosis and recognition are on the rise.
While clinical data have consistently presented a much higher female emetophobe population, these statistics only represent those who admit their fear. It is no secret that men’s mental health awareness and destigmatisation is a long road. But until we socially achieve this destigmatisation, these statistics will not truly reflect male emetophobes.
Unique Male Triggers
Socially, male culture is incredibly different to that of women. It carries expectations that can lead to unique triggers and barriers for men living with emetophobia.
- Drinking culture.
While this is not unique to men, there is a distinct “lads culture” linked to alcohol consumption and pressured intoxication. In these environments, vomiting is often trivialised and treated as a joke.
This social expectation can easily transform nightlife culture into a hostile environment. Many emetophobes will avoid heavy drinking (or situations where others will be heavily drinking) due to the heightened probability of vomiting.
- Mental health stigma.
The negative stigma surrounding men’s mental health is not unique to emetophobes. However, the fear of having a mental health issue frequently prevents diagnosis or acknowledgement of emetophobia. This is not just a social issue, but one where men will live in denial. Some may not even realise that they are suffering from this phobia.
A study by the Men’s Health Forum revealed that 52% of men were embarrassed to take time off from work for a mental health issue. This same embarrassment permeates social situations and perpetuates the taboo cycle.
- Social perception.
As emetophobia is incredibly female-dominated, there is a social perception that this phobia is exclusively experienced by women. This causes men to feel emasculated by their symptoms and by the possibility of being an emetophobe. Many will view this fear as a weakness rather than a treatable phobia.
Male Safety Behaviours
ll emetophobes have specific safety behaviours that provide short-term relief from their anxieties. These temporary coping mechanisms typically involve food restrictions and avoiding public spaces. It is common for men to be drawn to specific behaviours that aim to mask their anxieties from others.
“Fitness” eating.
Eating disorders and highly restricted diets are statistically more common for women. A shocking 80% of 19-year-old women have practised restrictive dieting, compared to 20% of 19-year-old men. This prevalence gap leads to the social perception that restrictive eating is a “female struggle” and, therefore, an emasculating diagnosis.
Although men with emetophobia still have restrictive diets, many will mask these “safe food” restrictions as clean eating. It becomes hidden under the socially acceptable disguise of health-conscious eating. By framing emetophobia through the modern health craze, it is easy to severely limit food intake without drawing suspicion.
Introverts.
From the mental health stigma, there is a vulnerability associated with admitting to a phobia. Therefore, many men simply frame themselves as introverted or antisocial. Doing so will feel easier or less embarrassing.
By using introversion as a shield, male emetophobes can discreetly avoid crowded places and situations where they will be expected to eat or drink alcohol. While this provides an immediate “protection”, it often leads to social isolation and a life dictated by this fear.
Designated driver.
The UK drinking culture can be a significant trigger for emetophobes. A quick cover for discreetly staying sober is volunteering as the designated driver. It is a socially acceptable way to excuse yourself from heavy drinking, as well as allowing you to avoid public transport triggers.
While this may seem highly effective as a short-term excuse, relying on excuses only fuels your anxiety and reinforces a lack of control over your phobia.
How to Overcome the Stigma
Overcoming emetophobia will first require a perspective shift concerning male mental health. The only way to overcome this phobia is by recognising your symptoms, admitting a diagnosis and seeking treatment.
Being a man does not mean you have to live with an exponentially worsening phobia. There are simple ways to overcome this without instating more damaging habits.
Breaking your social silence.
Once you have admitted to yourself that you are an emetophobe, telling others will become simple. Doing so will reduce the social pressure that you are under, which is often much more exhausting than the phobia itself.
Having understanding people around you will make it easier to work on your symptoms and reduce your safety behaviours. This support network will make a huge difference to your recovery.
Seeking treatment.
One of the most effective ways to overcome emetophobia is through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Once again, therapy is a stigma for men. However, it is the best way to re-focus your fears and shift your (personal and social) perspective. Having a professional assisting your recovery will also validate your need for treatment.
Reducing your safety behaviours.
Therapy will also focus on your safety behaviours, helping you to slowly reduce your reliance upon them. This will allow you to take control over your social life without harmful anxieties.
If you are concerned that you may be an emetophobe, this article will give you an overview. Evaluate your symptoms and navigate your feelings.
If you relate to this diagnosis, overcome the male stigma and seek treatment. You do not have to silently suffer. Take control of your life and your fears.
