Can you manage Food Anxiety?

[raaman]

Can you manage Food Anxiety?

Anxiety about food is a problem that, occasionally or regularly, appears in the minds of many people. It is characterized by an uncontrollable need to eat large amounts of food in a short space or period of time. This period of time is relative, and we usually measure this short period by comparing it.

We compare it to what we could normally eat in the same period of time, if we did not have anxiety. But why does food anxiety appear? Is it something common that can be treated? Anxiety is one of the most common problems currently facing mental health professionals. We usually associate it with its physical symptoms.

We associate it physical symptoms like palpitations, cold sweat, or shortness of breath. However, it is an umbrella that encompasses numerous problems, all of which are based on anxiety. Within these problems, we find anxiety about food. It is characterized by impulsiveness when eating food, not being able to stop and feeling physically and psychologically ill.

Sometimes the amounts are very high, but not always. It is the mere fact of losing control that can already make us feel bad. Guilt, low self-esteem or depressive traits can add to this. We mistakenly associate being anxious about food with being overweight or obese, when this is not always the case.

 

[Alexandoy]

This is the first time that I have come across the term food anxiety. But reading the post, I understand that it is a syndrome that my youngest sister had experienced. She would be eating too much when she is stressed out. But there is a side effect - my sister would throw up after some time. I think they called it bulimic. Anyway, the food anxiety would again be felt when my sister would feel comfortable (after vomiting). However, after a week of such a cycle of over-eating and throwing up, my sister landed in the hospital. I was vacationing in a resort when I received a text from my father that my sister was in the hospital. There was blood in the vomit due to a laceration in the esophagus. Fortunately her condition was not grave as to be in the ICU. The doctor said that the problem may be caused by extreme dieting - depriving oneself of food in order to lose weight.

 

[Abigael]

This is my first time learning about food anxiety. I have ever learnt about other forms of anxiety like social anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder but never this. I guess it is a really less talked about form of anxiety. From your explanation, it sounds like a really serious problem that should be dealt with. If someone will always be feeling so much anxiety when eating, then it can affect them badly. They will either end up eating so less or too much. The hurry while eating may cause one to choke and that can lead to death. Moreover, this may not be associated in any way with being overweight or obese but may lead to these conditions.

I guess just like any other form of anxiety, the first step to dealing with it is through self awareness that does not involve any self judgement. Then you need to find ways to be calm, that may include doing some breathing exercises before you eat.

The most important thing with dealing with these anxieties is to seek help. Especially from a professional therapists who specialises in food anxiety. If you cannot afford that or don't know any, you can do your own research through reading books and articles. Try out what they suggest till you find ones that work best for you.