A question many parents or parents-to-be with emetophobia ask is: “Is emetophobia hereditary?” The answer to this question is no…and yes.
Let me explain. An inherited condition is one that is passed from parent to child through genetics. Meaning that one or more of the parents had genes that gave them, or predisposed them to, a certain condition, and that those genes are passed on to their children. Emetophobia is not genetic. It is a learned behavior. Therefore Emetophobia is not a hereditary condition. Here’s the rub: Children of emetophobic parents are more likely to develop emetophobia, but not through genetics. Due to that fact, many lay people may refer to emetophobia as hereditary, or as something “passed down” by parents, in a casual sense.
Before you think, “Oh no! My kids are going to get my Emet!” she takes a breath. Actually, there is something good in this. Maybe a lot good. While it may be easier for your children to develop Emetophobia than other children, the important part is that because it is not genetic, you can change this. Once again, Emetophobia is a learned behavior, which means that it is developed in response to certain events and stimuli during childhood. If you’re reading this, you can now be more prepared to help prevent such situations. Unlike genetics, you have a say in this situation.
First you need to understand the CAUSES OF EMETOPHOBIA. Obviously, as an emetophobic, you went through traumatic or unique experiences with vomiting as a child and that shaped you into who you are today. Your child is just as unlikely to develop emetophobia as any other child, except for the fact that they are around you. They can observe you, observe you and learn from you. So just cure your emetophobia and you’ll be good to go?! That’s obviously not an easy fix, but you can still take steps to prevent your child from realizing your fear of vomiting.
Most importantly, your child should not see that they are having a panic attack when a vomiting-related incident arises. If they see that you react to vomiting as something terrible, they will develop that mindset as well. So what you need to do is come up with a plan with your spouse on how to handle situations involving vomiting. Unfortunately, your spouse will not always be there, in which case he will be in for a difficult situation. The big question is: Is it worth facing fear for your child’s future? As difficult as that is, the answer should be yes. So ultimately, the only sure way to protect your child is to help yourself overcome emetophobia, but if you’re having trouble doing that, make sure you take all the other precautions you can to protect your children from developing it. . condition you are suffering from.