The Goal Is Not to Stay Safe | Emetophobia & Safety Behaviors | Handle Emetophobia Ep. 7

In this episode of Handle Emetophobia, Katie and Ally talk about one of the biggest things keeping emetophobia and OCD alive: safety behaviors.From chewing gum, taking Zofran, avoiding situations, distracting ourselves, mentally preparing for worst-case scenarios, and trying to prevent nausea at all costs — we unpack the many ways fear convinces us we need these behaviors to stay safe.We discuss:Safety behaviors and compulsionsAcceptance vs. controlExposures vs. “experiments”Parenting with emetophobiaFear of airplanes, stomach bugs, and public vomitingThe placebo effect and anti-nausea medicationWhy recovery requires willingness instead of certaintyThe conversation is honest, funny, emotional, and deeply relatable for anyone struggling with emetophobia, OCD, panic, or health anxiety.The goal of recovery is not to stay safe.The goal is to learn that you don’t need to be.