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Anxiety and meals
Hey guys ! so here is my problem.
Last June, I had a panic attack while eating with my parents. Since then, it has being very hard for me to eat. I'm afraid of feeling bad, nauseous and evently to throw up when I eat with others. I'm worried about a meal hours before it even happens. I get scared if I feel like I'm not hungry because I feel like if I have no appetite, I'll throw up if I eat . I feel nauseous when I eat, and I start to think "Oh my god, I was right to worry, I'm going to feel bad, it's gonna be awfull". I know it sounds stupid but I feel like I'm not in control with my life anymore.
When I see someone eating, I think " how do they do to eat like this ? I couldn't ..."
Did anyone experience that kind of feelings ? Do you think I can get better ? And how ?
That you for reading !
Last June, I had a panic attack while eating with my parents. Since then, it has being very hard for me to eat. I'm afraid of feeling bad, nauseous and evently to throw up when I eat with others. I'm worried about a meal hours before it even happens. I get scared if I feel like I'm not hungry because I feel like if I have no appetite, I'll throw up if I eat . I feel nauseous when I eat, and I start to think "Oh my god, I was right to worry, I'm going to feel bad, it's gonna be awfull". I know it sounds stupid but I feel like I'm not in control with my life anymore.
When I see someone eating, I think " how do they do to eat like this ? I couldn't ..."
Did anyone experience that kind of feelings ? Do you think I can get better ? And how ?
That you for reading !
I'm going to try cbt ! The psychologist I got on the phone sound really nice and she made me feel like I'm not a weird guy and that it wouldn't be easy but it's completely possible to get ride of social anxiety!
Thanks.
Sounds very much like you have an anxiety issue when in a social environment.
Sounds very much like you have an anxiety issue when in a social environment.
That's for your kind words !
Actually I don't thing my nauseas are connected with certain foods because Ive eaten the same food and everything went ok !
Moreover I experience nauseous feelings also when I'm not eating but always when I'm in a social situation ! So I came to the conclusion that I might have a social phobia that has focused on the fear of throwing up in front of others ! And when I'm completely alone I feek fine ! What do you think about that?
A merry Christmas to you too !
Actually I don't thing my nauseas are connected with certain foods because Ive eaten the same food and everything went ok !
Moreover I experience nauseous feelings also when I'm not eating but always when I'm in a social situation ! So I came to the conclusion that I might have a social phobia that has focused on the fear of throwing up in front of others ! And when I'm completely alone I feek fine ! What do you think about that?
A merry Christmas to you too !
CBT is a good choice of counselling.
Makes me wonder when you had that meal with colleagues whether you had a bad reaction to a specific food that you actually ate. Rather than it be from anxiety issues. Food poisoning can happen.
It could have been something you were eating that made you feel ill when you ate with your parents that time, or it may be that something was said that you have blocked. Whatever it was, I do hope that the CBT counselling sessions will help you to get better.
Do remember though that should you experience nausea and feeling unwell after certain foods, it will need to be investigated by your doctor. A good way to identify any issues with food is to write down everything that you eat and drink and write down how you felt and how you feel afterwards. This will help you to identify if there is a food allergy problem.
Have a great Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Best wishes.
Makes me wonder when you had that meal with colleagues whether you had a bad reaction to a specific food that you actually ate. Rather than it be from anxiety issues. Food poisoning can happen.
It could have been something you were eating that made you feel ill when you ate with your parents that time, or it may be that something was said that you have blocked. Whatever it was, I do hope that the CBT counselling sessions will help you to get better.
Do remember though that should you experience nausea and feeling unwell after certain foods, it will need to be investigated by your doctor. A good way to identify any issues with food is to write down everything that you eat and drink and write down how you felt and how you feel afterwards. This will help you to identify if there is a food allergy problem.
Have a great Christmas and a healthy New Year.
Best wishes.
Thanks for your replies !
Actually, when I had the very first panic attack , nothing that has been said by my parents triggled the anxiety attack. We were just talking about my birthday that was coming, and boum suddenly I felt bad. After that, I had no appetite and I was worried about meals. Then when I started my summerjob, I began to feel better. then during a meal with colleages, I felt bad, like really bad, and I ended up throwing up in front of everybody.
Now, I've got this thought "it happens once, so it's possible it happens again."
I've been searching a lot about CBT and I think it suits me a lot, because it's very scientific, and I've got a very scientific mind !
Actually, when I had the very first panic attack , nothing that has been said by my parents triggled the anxiety attack. We were just talking about my birthday that was coming, and boum suddenly I felt bad. After that, I had no appetite and I was worried about meals. Then when I started my summerjob, I began to feel better. then during a meal with colleages, I felt bad, like really bad, and I ended up throwing up in front of everybody.
Now, I've got this thought "it happens once, so it's possible it happens again."
I've been searching a lot about CBT and I think it suits me a lot, because it's very scientific, and I've got a very scientific mind !
Yes, you can change thought patterns, but it can take time and it also depends on the cause of the "trauma" and the severity of it.
Do remember that no type of counselling will make you forget or erase what happened on that particular day. Those events happened - what counselling can do is to help you to allow your brain to process what happened so that you can allow your brain to "move on" . Think of it as putting documents into the right files and closing the filing cabinet. The information is still there, but it is dealt with and out of the way.
Another good type of counselling is EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. You can find more detailed information on EMDR on the web.
Briefly, EMDR is used for individuals who have experienced trauma that remains unresolved. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process these distressing memories, reducing their lingering effects and allow you to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
There are also tapping techniques to help you cope you anxiety issues that you can do at the time you are experiencing an anxiety attack (as well as breathing techniques).
Your first counselling assessment may be with a nurse who specialises in mental issues, to determine which type of counselling would best suit you. As everyone is different, different some types of therapies may suit one person, but not another.
If you can think about what triggered off the panic attack when you were eating with your parents, this will be a step closer to understanding and resolving your issue. For example, is there anything that was said that made you feel uncomfortable, arguments, any type of conflict, you being blamed for something, etc? You do not have to answer that, it is just something to think about. This is the type of things that a counsellor will go through with you.
There is also a Forum on anxiety (on this web site) that you can pose questions on.
Hope you can get things resolved soon.
Best wishes.
Do remember that no type of counselling will make you forget or erase what happened on that particular day. Those events happened - what counselling can do is to help you to allow your brain to process what happened so that you can allow your brain to "move on" . Think of it as putting documents into the right files and closing the filing cabinet. The information is still there, but it is dealt with and out of the way.
Another good type of counselling is EMDR which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. You can find more detailed information on EMDR on the web.
Briefly, EMDR is used for individuals who have experienced trauma that remains unresolved. The goal of EMDR therapy is to process these distressing memories, reducing their lingering effects and allow you to develop more adaptive coping mechanisms.
There are also tapping techniques to help you cope you anxiety issues that you can do at the time you are experiencing an anxiety attack (as well as breathing techniques).
Your first counselling assessment may be with a nurse who specialises in mental issues, to determine which type of counselling would best suit you. As everyone is different, different some types of therapies may suit one person, but not another.
If you can think about what triggered off the panic attack when you were eating with your parents, this will be a step closer to understanding and resolving your issue. For example, is there anything that was said that made you feel uncomfortable, arguments, any type of conflict, you being blamed for something, etc? You do not have to answer that, it is just something to think about. This is the type of things that a counsellor will go through with you.
There is also a Forum on anxiety (on this web site) that you can pose questions on.
Hope you can get things resolved soon.
Best wishes.
Therapy is NOT an easy option!
CBT may take years to reach the subconcious, however, Energy Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy would do this a lot faster.
However the following options may work better to ensure efficiency AND lasting results:
1.A combination of CBT, Energy Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy
2. Energy Psychotherpay and Hypnotherapy, followed up by ongoing regular self-hypnosis (part of the hypnotherapy treatment), self- EFT(Tapping) and periodic "booster" sessions -every 4-6 months or so.
Booster sessions are valueable in addressing certain recurring mental- emotional patterns.
When dealing with the subconscious, it is important to understand how extremely powerful it is and that it is in control of our behaviour most of the time!
I am a life long student, patient and therapist and use all of above forms
of therapy.
Important note: Choosing the right therapist is key!
Single modality approaches are usually less effective than multi-modality.
I have used hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, eft, CBT, past life exploration,
spiritual psychotherapy... The best results according to my own experience, were the ones when:
a. A combination of approaches were implemented.
b. The client was empowered to participate actively (by learning and applying self-hypnosis, meditation, eft, journalling, art therapy etc.)
c. A minimum schedule of sessions was followed-including booster sessions, as I mentioned above.
gtg, back to work, lol!
Cheers.
Niko
CBT may take years to reach the subconcious, however, Energy Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy would do this a lot faster.
However the following options may work better to ensure efficiency AND lasting results:
1.A combination of CBT, Energy Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy
2. Energy Psychotherpay and Hypnotherapy, followed up by ongoing regular self-hypnosis (part of the hypnotherapy treatment), self- EFT(Tapping) and periodic "booster" sessions -every 4-6 months or so.
Booster sessions are valueable in addressing certain recurring mental- emotional patterns.
When dealing with the subconscious, it is important to understand how extremely powerful it is and that it is in control of our behaviour most of the time!
I am a life long student, patient and therapist and use all of above forms
of therapy.
Important note: Choosing the right therapist is key!
Single modality approaches are usually less effective than multi-modality.
I have used hypnotherapy, psychotherapy, eft, CBT, past life exploration,
spiritual psychotherapy... The best results according to my own experience, were the ones when:
a. A combination of approaches were implemented.
b. The client was empowered to participate actively (by learning and applying self-hypnosis, meditation, eft, journalling, art therapy etc.)
c. A minimum schedule of sessions was followed-including booster sessions, as I mentioned above.
gtg, back to work, lol!
Cheers.
Niko
I agree with jemma116 ! I think its all connected with the first panic attack I had (i felt nauseous dizzy and hot) and in some unconscious level my brain linked this event with food ! I wen to my gp and talked to him about everything. He basically told me that anxiety disorders are very common ant the most scientifically proven effective way to deal with anxiety is cbt (cognitive behavior therapy) so I took an appointment after my exams. Do you think cbt is a good choice ? I'm specifically very interested in the cognitive part of it : is that very possible to change thoughts patterns ?
Well clearly there was some kind of problem on this particular occasion about something when a meal was being was being eaten at the same table as the parents.
The "panic attack" may have nothing to do with food, but mentally food has been linked to whatever the cause may have been during the meal time with the parents.
A good counsellor would be able to get to the root of the problem. If this is a mental issue, it will take time to process the trauma that caused the anxiety attack and this will depend on how severe the trauma was.
My take on things is that there was a panic attack at the meal table; the real reason for this panic attack is not know. May be a problem with eating food or some situation with the parents that triggered it off! What is clear is that the food issue has been linked to the panic attack and that has now caused a "mental block" with food.
Food is a very strong "weapon", because this is something that we are in control of.
If there is an underlying problem connected with the parents, this needs to be addressed and resolved to be able to deal with the food issue. But at the same time digestive issues also need to be taken into account.
Personally, I wouldn't taken anti-sick pills. A gastric remedy to settle the stomach would have been my first choice with a visit to the doctor.
The "panic attack" may have nothing to do with food, but mentally food has been linked to whatever the cause may have been during the meal time with the parents.
A good counsellor would be able to get to the root of the problem. If this is a mental issue, it will take time to process the trauma that caused the anxiety attack and this will depend on how severe the trauma was.
My take on things is that there was a panic attack at the meal table; the real reason for this panic attack is not know. May be a problem with eating food or some situation with the parents that triggered it off! What is clear is that the food issue has been linked to the panic attack and that has now caused a "mental block" with food.
Food is a very strong "weapon", because this is something that we are in control of.
If there is an underlying problem connected with the parents, this needs to be addressed and resolved to be able to deal with the food issue. But at the same time digestive issues also need to be taken into account.
Personally, I wouldn't taken anti-sick pills. A gastric remedy to settle the stomach would have been my first choice with a visit to the doctor.
Hit the submit accidentally!
So, what symptoms were present during the original event and what
associations were made at the time-conscious or subconscious level, may have a lot to do with the complexities of this mental/emotional condition.
A good hypnotherapist would likely be able to help bring this to the surface.
There are likely other pre-existing factors which need to be explored.
Cognitive behavioural thepapy may help some, but the underlying issues, may be stuck in the sub-conscious, so the patient could be totally unaware of this. it could also be stemming from a prior event, possibly from childhood, again not accesible through memory alone.
Cheers,
Niko
So, what symptoms were present during the original event and what
associations were made at the time-conscious or subconscious level, may have a lot to do with the complexities of this mental/emotional condition.
A good hypnotherapist would likely be able to help bring this to the surface.
There are likely other pre-existing factors which need to be explored.
Cognitive behavioural thepapy may help some, but the underlying issues, may be stuck in the sub-conscious, so the patient could be totally unaware of this. it could also be stemming from a prior event, possibly from childhood, again not accesible through memory alone.
Cheers,
Niko
There are too many assumptions, perhaps due to lack of clarity.
I fully get everyone's willingless to be helpful, but please try to understand that panic attacks and anxiety have multi-factorial basis and therefore
approaches which work for one may not work for others.
OK, here's my take on this:
1. Everything started after the the original panic attack last june.
2. What triggered the panic attack?
3. Did the panic attack get associated with having a meal with flo's parents in a negative manner? And did it get it "imprinted" in his energy field and strored in cellular memory as a negative event?
I fully get everyone's willingless to be helpful, but please try to understand that panic attacks and anxiety have multi-factorial basis and therefore
approaches which work for one may not work for others.
OK, here's my take on this:
1. Everything started after the the original panic attack last june.
2. What triggered the panic attack?
3. Did the panic attack get associated with having a meal with flo's parents in a negative manner? And did it get it "imprinted" in his energy field and strored in cellular memory as a negative event?
definite panic attacks. you become so focused on your feelings around eating and you begin to anticipate problems so much that you become obsessed. I was obsessed with medical condition but began cognitive therapy through the use of tapes (midwest centre for anxiety). was a 15 week course and helped me so much. I realized that weird spacey feelings, obsessive thoughts could be cured by learning positive thoughts and relaxation techniques. I have advised many anxiety/depressed people to look into the midwest centre for anxiety and depression, they changed my life!
good luck and remember, the cause of your condition are your thoughts, NOT ANY PHYSICAL CONDITION, therefore you can change your way of thinking to bring you back to your normal life. it takes time, effort and commitment, but at the end, you will be amazed at you much better you will feel!
good luck and remember, the cause of your condition are your thoughts, NOT ANY PHYSICAL CONDITION, therefore you can change your way of thinking to bring you back to your normal life. it takes time, effort and commitment, but at the end, you will be amazed at you much better you will feel!
Sorry flo to confuse you. West 13 or W13 is a post code in London!
I don't understand, you are eating ok but you say you are afraid to eat and have no appetite? is it just when you are with others that you feel like this?
Are you fine eating on your own?
My advice is go see your doctor. In the meantime just eat on your own and don't put yourself in this position again until you get professional advice. maybe have a glass of wine to relax before meals, do some breathing exercises before meals. Also go to your local chemist and ask for some anti nausea tablets, these work well, take one about an hour before you eat. Hope things go well and try not to worry so much.
I don't understand, you are eating ok but you say you are afraid to eat and have no appetite? is it just when you are with others that you feel like this?
Are you fine eating on your own?
My advice is go see your doctor. In the meantime just eat on your own and don't put yourself in this position again until you get professional advice. maybe have a glass of wine to relax before meals, do some breathing exercises before meals. Also go to your local chemist and ask for some anti nausea tablets, these work well, take one about an hour before you eat. Hope things go well and try not to worry so much.
If you mean that you do not feel hungry because you have eaten, then that is fine to stop eating and not eat any more. Don't eat just to make other people feel happy. If you do not want any more food, say so and don't have it.
There is no point in worrying about "what if" and whether you get those sensations again.. Feeling nausea and throwing up can happen to anyone and this can happen for all sorts of reasons.
If you are still experiencing feelings of nausea, best thing for you to do is to make an appointment to see your doctor to see if you do have a digestive problem. Digestive and stomach problems can happen, and when diagnosed correctly there are medications to help with that as well as avoiding the foods that actually make you feel unwell. Are you anxious and feel unwell withl all foods or just certain types of foods like greasy and heavily spiced one? It may be that those types of foods are not suiting you and that could be the reason why you felt ill.
It is a bit awkward to define "eating normally". The best way to eat is to eat a healthy and well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, etc. so that your body gets all the vitamins and minerals in needs to stay healthy. Drinking plenty of fluids and especially water is also important so as not to get dehydrated.
If you are concerned that you are "not eating enough", the time to worry is if you start to lose weight. It may help you to see a dietician to come up with a healthy eating plan for you with the types of foods that you like. Everyone has different tastes, so something that someone may like, you may not. To have a healthy body there are calorie values that have been established for men and women. I cannot remember what the calorie numbers are, but the calorie value for men is much higher than for women.
The anxiety issues too need to be dealt with and your doctor may help you or refer you to someone who can help you with that.
There is no point in worrying about "what if" and whether you get those sensations again.. Feeling nausea and throwing up can happen to anyone and this can happen for all sorts of reasons.
If you are still experiencing feelings of nausea, best thing for you to do is to make an appointment to see your doctor to see if you do have a digestive problem. Digestive and stomach problems can happen, and when diagnosed correctly there are medications to help with that as well as avoiding the foods that actually make you feel unwell. Are you anxious and feel unwell withl all foods or just certain types of foods like greasy and heavily spiced one? It may be that those types of foods are not suiting you and that could be the reason why you felt ill.
It is a bit awkward to define "eating normally". The best way to eat is to eat a healthy and well balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, etc. so that your body gets all the vitamins and minerals in needs to stay healthy. Drinking plenty of fluids and especially water is also important so as not to get dehydrated.
If you are concerned that you are "not eating enough", the time to worry is if you start to lose weight. It may help you to see a dietician to come up with a healthy eating plan for you with the types of foods that you like. Everyone has different tastes, so something that someone may like, you may not. To have a healthy body there are calorie values that have been established for men and women. I cannot remember what the calorie numbers are, but the calorie value for men is much higher than for women.
The anxiety issues too need to be dealt with and your doctor may help you or refer you to someone who can help you with that.
thank's for your reply ! actually it doesn't stand to anything ! (I"m from France so I don't know what west 13 means !)
So you're saying that I should be patient with my self ?
Actually, I eat properly (maybe just a little less than normaly). It's just that I worry so much but evently I'm able to eat normally ! Sometimes it's more difficult and I eat less but it's rare !
So you're saying that I should be patient with my self ?
Actually, I eat properly (maybe just a little less than normaly). It's just that I worry so much but evently I'm able to eat normally ! Sometimes it's more difficult and I eat less but it's rare !
Does W13 stand for west 13, i live in W12, but i digress, sounds to me like you are suffering with acute anxiety, go to cafes and take away places on your own, get used to eating around others again, take things slow, get small portions, try to think of things that make you happy when eating. The more you worry the worst things will be, if things persist you must go and see your doctor. of course you can get better, also remember that not eating properly can make you ill, so get things sorted quick as you can, don't let things drag.
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