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How do I stop being afraid to eat?

9 Answers
Last Updated: 12/01/2020 at 5:26am
How do I stop being afraid to eat?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Melissa Strauss, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am client focused and believe everyone has a strength. I feel confident in seeing clients with generalized and social anxiety, depression and relational goals.

Top Rated Answers
Imogene
May 1st, 2018 9:37am
You've already gone part of the way by asking this! It's really hard to seek help for overcoming fears, and you're incredibly brave for doing so. Well done! Here are some suggestions I found: You could make a list of foods you struggle with eating, and perhaps order them in a way such that the hardest foods for you are at the bottom and the easier ones are at the top? The idea is to work your way down the list. Another is to pair the more challenging foods with the less challenging ones, so it's sort of balanced. These are probably only applicable if you have certain types of food that you're uncomfortable with, though! It may be helpful to keep a positivity journal as well to encourage yourself, maybe record what you've eaten on that day and put in quotes or whatever motivates you to inspire yourself? You could also find someone to support you and check in on you! Hope you find something that helps!
sillyseraph002
May 3rd, 2018 5:16pm
work your way up to it. fear is often related to anxiety, probably about perceived consequences. sometimes planning what to eat can help by giving you a sense of control. eating with a friend can also be good as a buffer
Anonymous
May 6th, 2018 8:06am
It's not easy to just suddenly stop being afraid to eat but somethings that can help is remembering that food isn't going to hurt you it's their to nurish you and keep you healthy, talking to a friend or family member about how you feel around food, or even talked to a therapist
melliflunette
April 3rd, 2018 3:29am
Remember that the food also contains nutrients and vitamins for your health. If you don't you might get some problems from it.
compassionateHeart82
April 21st, 2018 3:25am
Unfortunately the answer isn't so simple. When we are afraid do a particular thing, it is normally a response to anxiety. Eating Disorders are unfortunately complex mental illnesses that cannot be treated in a day, there is no magic wand! I would suggest reaching out to a professional who can help you overcome these feelings and put in place some strategies to help you cope, especially some healthy coping mechanisms to distract and help you feel much better and overcome the anxiety you are feeling.
IsshunNoShunkan
May 9th, 2018 4:30pm
You don't. It's harsh, but no matter how much progress you make, however much recovery you do, you'll always have that lingering anxiety about whatever's on your plate. Just take it a little at a time, until you're eating a healthy amount again (or until you can ignore that fear).
caringFlute48
June 11th, 2018 9:59pm
At first think: "what is it that you are afraid of?". Then find yourself a counteraction: If it's gaining weight, go on YouTube and find a 5 min home workout video. It might surprise you how much better you feel after even the shortest workout.
peacefulHug92
July 22nd, 2018 8:50pm
Having a fear of eating, and food in general, sadly won't leave overnight. I think it's great you've reached out for help, it shows your passion to recover ❤ that's awesome! I would suggest writing down the foods you find most challenging, so that you know what you're working with. You might find a pattern in these foods - perhaps they contain fat or sugar. Now, make a list of the foods you find less challenging. Try to compare them; and even try to challenge them. Ask yourself whats the difference between these foods. You'll probably find a thought-trap/disordered thought within it. You could try googling 'how to get out of thought trap... .' to find an appropriate plan of action for you 💙 best of luck in your recovery! - Becca
Anonymous
December 1st, 2020 5:26am
Sometimes anxiety and depression can be accompanied by a fear of eating. By acknowledging your fear is real and valid but is ultimately detrimental to your wellbeing. Asking yourself what's the worst that might happen if you eat? Examining those possibilities in a logical and rational manner in terms of how likely or unlikely they are often removes the emotion from the equation and suppresses the fear. Once you have surmounted the barrier of fear, you will often be able to eat slowly and gently, which can reassure you in future instances that eating is not only safe but necessary and withholding sustenance can be self-harming.