getting my life back slowly...but still no luck with food and appetite

Question

I finally got myself together enough to start working again. Today was my 2nd day at my new job and other than the annoying dizziness from anxiety I was fine. My bf and I are also looking at a new place on friday and I've been able to start driving some places on my own again. But I still can't eat. I've developed this crazy, irrational fear of eating. When I do eat I get incredibly anxious and feel very sick afterward and I rarely feel hungry enough to eat. What can I do to overcome this stupid fear? I am so scared to eat because I'm scared that eating will make me sick. I've never had this before and its the only thing stopping me from having a normal life. My therapist hasn't really helped me with it and I've pretty much given up on meeting with him because I'm not getting any help with this fear.

erin626 · Answer

I'm neither bulemic or anorexic. I hate how skinny I've gotten but I just can't seem to eat. I force myself to eat small things. I started to get scared to eat after a horrible experience with xanax withdrawal. After that experience I've barely eaten and now eating terrifies me.

JustinDobbs23 · Answer

Your fear Is an Illogical one. Eating never made you sick before, so why would It now, right? Illogical fears can be tricky, and most of the time hard to get rid of. I suggest forcing yourself everyday to face your fear, even If It's just a few small meals a day. Remember, you need 1400 calories minimum per day to survive and your body will find that energy somewhere, or you die. Please note that Illogical fears are usually formed after or before a traumatic event, so think back or forward on something that may be bothering you or had bothered you enough to set In some form of emotional or physical distress. To remove this fear, much like many others, you will most likely need to face It over and over and over again many many times before It will subside In your sub-conscious.

The latter part of the question begs the answer: Are you bulimic or anorexic?

Simple answer, but think very very hard before you settle with your self. Your mind Is very very powerful to the body as a friend or foe. Be honest with yourself, and talk to yourself, even If It's talking out loud.

I hope you find some help. But please, try to eat daily.

The latter part of the question begs the answer: Are you bulimic or anorexic?

Simple answer, but think very very hard before you settle with your self. Your mind Is very very powerful to the body as a friend or foe. Be honest with yourself, and talk to yourself, even If It's talking out loud.

I hope you find some help. But please, try to eat daily.

calmshell · Answer

Hi erin..

That is sooooo great you went on your 2nd day at the job..!!!!! It's ok to feel a little anxious though, or even slightly dizzy b/c of the anxiousness.never berate yourself /put yourself down for it..know that you have tools that you will overcome a THOUGHT , which causes anxiety...and that you can keep working at it anytime..and we get better with practice..knowing we are great, we can do it, and having an almost "who cares?" type of attitude I've found, really releases pressure I put on myself..that others are not..they are usually just looking at /caring about THEMselves....!

But for the eating, just know that your body , in order to maintain itself in the day, needs some nourishment/fuel.....I get shaky/headaches if I don't eat for 5 or more hours..and I know its a signal saying, "I need food/energy now..please..." I actually used to get friggin anxiety over GETTING shaky/dehydrated or almost famished in a day.. and hated that feeling like I was going to keel over/pass out etc...but I realized, if I have small meals throughout the day/or snacks, I'll be ok and I kind of let that fear go of getting that feeling of shakiness/pass out ....

Is it that you believe food will make you sick? Food is literally our fuel for our tank (body)Your bones and muscles and bloodstream depend upon nutrients, and these nutrients keep the blood cells healthy ...maybe if  you try to have small meals in day..like some OJ with a bowl of cheerios/banana is soo good, and good for you!!! and then maybe a couple eggs/toast for lunch..protein!!! and a nice salad at dinner, or with some chicken on it/tuna...just some things that are not too heavy or anything, but give your body soo much of what it needs everyday..vitamins/minerals....

Have you just started feeling this way about food? (how long?)  message me anytime you like, and keep me/us posted about it ok????? (also, perhaps you could switch therapists...sometimes we can find someone else who might meet our needs more..) take care though, talk to ya soon =)