Does the thought of being sick take over?
Nobody likes being sick. For some people the fear of it shapes what they eat, where they go and who they're near. This free check helps you make sense of it.
Do you have washing, checking or other routines to keep from being sick? The contamination OCD check may fit you better.
Does any of this sound like you?
- You avoid foods, restaurants or travel in case you feel sick
- You keep away from anyone who might be ill
- You check how your stomach feels many times a day
Fear or phobia?
Everyone is afraid of something. A fear becomes a phobia when it's much bigger than the danger, it doesn't go away, and it starts to shape your life: the plans you make, the places you avoid, the things you miss.
Phobias are also one of the most treatable problems there are. Most people who finish a course of exposure-based therapy recover, working step by step at a pace they agree.
What you'll be asked
What is it about vomiting that you find hard?
- Being sick myself
- Seeing or hearing other people be sick
- Losing control
- Being sick in public
- Feeling sick
- Catching a bug
Which situations do you find hard, and how hard is each one?
- Reading or hearing the word
- Eating out
- Trying new food
- Public transport
- People drinking alcohol
- Being around young children
- Someone who feels ill
- Hospitals or GP surgeries
- Someone being sick on TV
Six quick questions about the last month
- How much does this affect your day-to-day life?
- How much do you avoid places, plans or situations because of it?
- How much does it affect your work, studies or caring for others?
- How much does it affect your social life, relationships or family?
- How much does it stop you doing things you want to do?
- How much distress do you feel when you think about being sick or seeing someone be sick?
What you get at the end
Your result and what it means for everyday life, plus a starting ladder built from your own answers: the steps, easiest first, a therapist would use to help you. It's saved to a free Rephobia account, so you can come back, retake the check and see what changes.
Common questions
- Is this a diagnosis?
- No. It is a free self-check to help you understand how much this affects your life. Only a qualified professional can assess you properly.
- Will I be shown pictures or videos?
- No. The check uses words only.
- Why do you ask for my email?
- Your results are saved to a free account, so you can come back to them, retake the check and see what has changed. You confirm your email with a code, then choose a password.
- Who can see my answers?
- You can. Rephobia keeps them to show you your results. Nothing is shared with a therapist unless you choose to send a request, and nothing is sold or used for advertising.
- How long does it take?
- About three minutes.