Hello, Yesterday I’ve suddenly had problems with swallowing and my anxiety. like im scared of choking and would have a panic attack every-time i try to swallow food or water. Is there anyway to treat this?
I’ve had the same issue for a few weeks now, it can be scary and tough but good news is you’re already in the right place. I’d talk with your therapist about doing ERP for swallowing and fear of choking. Keep trying even though it’s scary. It’s really important that you don’t stop trying!
@Anonymous How long did it take for it to get better?
@MichaelVu2010 I am still in the process of working on it. We spent the first 4 weeks trying to rule out any actual medical issues and once they said I was all clear we started working on ERP. It’s been about a week now and I’m hopeful! But that’s why I say don’t stop trying, I did and that’s why it’s taking me longer to get better! I wish I had started what I’m doing now weeks ago!
@Anonymous Ok thank you, im only 14 i don’t want to be malnourished.
@Anonymous Do you feel any better? Like the fear is going away? I think ill tell my psychiatrist about this on the 24th
@MichaelVu2010 I completely understand your concern for becoming malnourished, I have the same concerns. Really make sure you’re drinking water as much as possible even though it’s hard. I am starting to feel better now knowing that there is nothing medically wrong and the fears are getting less and less! I highly recommend you bring this up with your psychiatrist and bring up ERP as well. The only way out is through! You’ve got this, I wish you the best of luck!!
@Anonymous Ok thank you, ill give updates as soon as i tell my psychiatrist.
@Anonymous What have you ate that helps you control this fear?
@Anonymous Cause i was prescribed antipsychotics before i even had this fear but hopefully it helps.
@MichaelVu2010 Ice cream is a great option. You’re not going to choke on it! Any soft foods are good, like potatoes, smoothies, pudding, and protein shakes to help prevent you from getting malnourished. You can also purée most foods to be a soft easy to swallow texture.
@Anonymous Thanks! Ill make sure to use a straw to control how much i sip per drink.
@Anonymous Have you felt fear for drinking water too? Just curious
@MichaelVu2010 I absolutely do sometimes. It more just feels hard to swallow versus an actual fear of choking on water because it’s not a big deal if a little water goes down the wrong pipe. But I’ve found that if I push through with the water it gets easier. My problem is more that I am hyper aware of every throat sensation which makes normal sensations feel incorrect or uncomfortable, when in reality, everyone experiences them they just don’t think about it.
@Anonymous Thanks i even feel fear before im about to eat or just thinking of it.
@Anonymous Same with drinking, today i ate some greek yogurt because i heard it hydrates you.
@Anonymous Im scared to tell my parents about what im suffering.
@Anonymous Also eating mac and cheese today.
@Anonymous Have you got prescribed any medication?
@Anonymous Im sorry for replying to much its that im worried
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