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headaches when I feel anxious and not been able to eat properly at the fear of choking anyone?

Posted , 3 users are following.

catherineB24
catherineB24

Sick of taking hours to eat as I have to brace myself before I swallow at the fear of choking

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • anthony10903
    anthony10903 catherineB24

    Posted

    There is a symptom of anxiety that can cause us to focus on an automatic function such as swollowing or breathing.I understand how difficult this is for you .I too focused on body functions thinking I had health problems which further increased my anxiety. Can you start a project where just before you eat that you try some relaxation exercises, like the ones on the side of the page under related information,just before you eat.Also try reading a magazine with pics you like or a tv show while you eat and see if it can distract you.If you can shift your focus and forget a few times then you can logically question if you need to focus so much on wether you will not be able to swallow. Before taking a bite of food take a sip of water and you will see that swallow is working then take bite chew then swallow.Once you have swallowed it is past your breathing area.You cannot choke.follow it with another sip of water.Swallowing happens automatically.If we try to swallow when we dont need to, just to check if it is working,it can be difficult therefore causing us to believe when we have food there that we will not be able to.Sorry for this long explanation but I really want to help you.I know this fear is real.Remember swallowing when we dont need to is difficult for anyone.If you keep checking to see if you can swallow when you dont need to it will just make you more anxious. 
  • Myrissasauras
    Myrissasauras catherineB24

    Posted

    I get that. In fact I had it last night. I was trying to swallow a pill when all of a sudden it's like I couldn't swallow anymore. It took forever to get it down then I freaked out about it and then I would just keep having difficulties swallowing. It's just anxiety. When you are scared of something and are obsessed with the thought of it and pretty much mentally prepare yourself for it to happen again it gets 100x worse
  • Rahb01
    Rahb01 catherineB24

    Posted

    Hi..I know what you Mean..I struggled with that earlier in my struggle of health anxiety over heart..I have been suffering for 6 mths..but I can safely say I overcome that fear. .so don't worry it will sure pass and you can eat like normal again..just eat slowly and small bites..and always stand by a drink with you..
  • Rahb01
    Rahb01 catherineB24

    Posted

    Hi..just wanted to ask how are you?you manage to eat without the fear of swallowing?
    • catherineB24
      catherineB24 Rahb01

      Posted

      Hi I swallowed a tablet earlier and I felt it going down and panicked thought I was choking them I had a panic attack I'm still panicy now 😯 I got put on propanadol yesterday
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