Question about anxiety/gagging/eating?

I get a lot of anxiety but my problem lately has been with eating. I love to eat, but when I’m around other people, the minute I put a piece of food in my mouth I feel like gagging and I’m planning my escape from the table. It drives me crazy. It also happens after I eat. I need to drink lots of water before going out and chew gum or else I feel I will gag when out in public, hanging with friends etc. Sometimes I make excuses for hanging out with friends because it involves eating. I feel like it is holding me back and I want to get rid of it. I don’t know how I would handle my first date if it was dinner. I just wanted to ask if anyone has experienced anything similar and what you did to try to stop it?

I have this very same problem!! I’ve been this way for a looooong time. I am 39 now. I have gotten alot better but I still struggle with it. It affects me more so when I eat in a crowded restaurant.

At some point in my life I have associated the feeling of a full stomach to the feeling of getting ready to vomit, so my heart rate goes up, I get flushed, and I start sweating. This can happen to me even when I am eating at home alone, too. One thing that has worked for me is to do something to distract my mind.

The only thing I can suggest is to confront it head on. Eat foods you really like. Put yourself in situations where this is likely to happen. Surround yourself with people you enjoy. That’s what has helped me.

I wouldn’t take advise from a nurse who’s quick to suggest medication. That’s just a band-aid and not a solution.

Good luck!!

Anxiety Exposure (laser tag, out to eat, etc.)

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