Bad anxiety after eating??

Does anyone else suffer from bad anxiety after eating a large meal? I've been having panic attacks after eating. Abotu 10 minutes after I get finished eating, I will get very nervous/anxious feeling and I have heart palps. Almost everytime I eat a large meal this happens, so I'm guessing it is a panic attack.

[mammo]

The first thing you want to do is get checked out by your doctor to make sure there are no other causes for this. You definitely want to get your blood glucose level checked as it may be that your blood sugar is too low after eating. If you are avoiding carbs, and sugars this can cause low blood sugar.  The next time you have this, try eating something sweet or high in carbs, if it stops your symptoms it's a good sign that it is low blood sugar.  This normally will occur between meals and not right after eating, but it depends on your diet.  Your thyroid may be playing a role in this as well.  If it were me, I'd see an Endocrinologist but many have this testing done by their GP.  Let us know what you find out and take care!

[lindsey_malia]

Hi I also get panic attacks after eating. Doesn't matter te size of the meal. It doesn't happen everytime I eat, but it happens enough because I have lost 12 lbs in 3 weeks and my panic attacks started a month ago. I have been seen by an ENT who wants to take x rays of my throat to see if it could be a muscular problem. Also maybe get an appt with a endocrinologist to get necked for diabetes.  Good luck to you.

[nursegirl6572]

There could be a physical cause, or you could be experiencing a panic cycle common with panic disorder.  After getting the "all clear" from your doc, then you need to see a psychiatrist who can properly diagnose you and offer treatment options.  Therapy would be a vital part of the process, as it would teach you how to undo the anxious thinking cycle that leads to frequent panic attacks.  

Hang in there and let us know what the outcome of your doctor visit is....you can get to the bottom of this.

[jlroesner]

yep, happens to me too.  But it's very cyclical.  One day I'll have panic after every single bite I force down my throat, but the next nothing...  I hate that.

[aembry]

I  have been checked out by my doctor, had blood work and the full workup. My thyroid and blood sugar is fine. I have saw a cardiologist for my heart palps and had a tone of test done. He says all is fine! I don't know if I"m just in some kind of viscious cycle or what. But I do find myself thinking about it before I eat, worrying if I'm going to have another panic attack or not.  This is very frustrating, I would just like to find a way to get away from this!

[mammo]

It's time to address the anxiety.  Our anxiety feeds off our fears and worries, and when we sit in anticipation of another attack, we will get one.  You're absolutely correct, it's a vicious cycle.  Try to distract yourself  before and after eating both physically and mentally and see if that helps.  If not, therapy would be very beneficial in teaching you how not to dwell on this and think differently.  Also, do some deep breathing exercises before eating and when you feel yourself getting anxious afterwards.  Breathe slowly in thru your nose and slowly out of your mouth.  Exercisie is good for anxiety, so if you're able, take a walk after eating.  I know it's both scary and frustrating but there is help, so if you can't do this on your own (most of us can't) seek help with therapy. Best wishes and take care!