This anxiety symptom is never talked about

[@天気子]

I even asked someone one time if they could describe me how to swallow, they didnt know what to say

[@hectorMartinez-ff7tf]

It’s been almost a year 😢

[@pumpkinpatch5]

I had my throat close up on me while eating in a restaurant in 2021. Three days later I stopped being able to swallow freely, having developed Phagophobia after the trauma was processed by my brain. It’s been three years of Hell since. If you’re suffering from Dysphagia as a result of this phobia, I am right there with you. You’re not alone, even if you feel abandoned. We’re all having to be brave together and learn how to overcome the extreme fear.

[@drewcarrasco8345]

I hate that i can't enjoy my food anymore,because of this problem.

[@Trappedfelconuhh]

Choking can be random sometimes i also have phagophobia i get really anxious when it comes to swallowing pills i try to force myself but i spit the pill out immediately

[@shearel3]

I can't eat with others, increases my anxiety too much to where I'll panic when trying to swallow.

[@pumpkinpatch5]

I’m exactly the same as you. I feel your pain! I often say it’s ruined my life for this reason, because how can I meet new people in social situations without being able to eat and drink? This condition is a curse and a cruelty.

[@510projectpat]

Man, this hits hard. I had my good days and bad days. It would get so bad that I keep puking some of the food back out and have to be excused every other minute while with friends or at work. I get really bad GERD been working to getting better for some time now.

[@rayshellray2824]

Omg yes and have u ever felt like even with nothing in your mouth and its so dry and u try to swallow and u cant omg that feaks ne out more then anything and not have anything to drink around and feel like it u dont swallow ur gonna choke or it hard to breath

[@user-ps2ie6rl5m]

I’ve struggled with this for 4 years. Everything I eat is a complete nightmare. I am working on it though. At one point even liquids were difficult.

[@pumpkinpatch5]

I’m right behind you! Three years and counting! I exist mainly on milk, as anything thinner still panics me.

[@Johnny.43]

God bless you all!!!!!

[@Natalie-yf9ib]

I’ve lost 15 pounds since my diagnosis and I’m devastated I miss my old self

[@pumpkinpatch5]

Bless you. I’ve had this for 3 years and went from 15 stone to 9 stone, where I’ve now stayed by for I g myself to be brave and swallow. I feel your pain!

[@todobakuanimeforlife]

I'm surprised how even a couple of my friends don't worry about being stupid while they're having a bite to eat.....while I worry about covering my mouth out of fear.....

[@todobakuanimeforlife]

I have problems eating in public, when I have to I cover my mouth with my hand so I know that my mouth and under my chin can't be seen... because it's embarrassing... although I'm not sure why... .I'm always the last to finish eating while the others have finished for 10 minutes....

[@danielthedork1504]

This is hell I would never wish this upon anyone

[@erenjeager2741]

For real bro

[@jessicamontello2154]

I think this is why my son has a hard time eating…thanks for sharing.

[@sarahjane2383]

Finally someone taking about this anxiety symptom, have suffered with this for years now, drove myself mad as I could never see anything mention its a symptom of anxiety. I'm worse when eating in front of people, and it happens a lot especially when I am not eating and at night time. Will sometimes force myself to eat just so I know I can swallow.

[@pumpkinpatch5]

I’m the same. I can barely swallow anything when I’m around others, because I feel like they’re judging me. I loosen up when I’m on my own, but still feel tense enough to finish one drink over thirty minutes.

[@JustDawn]

Was wondering about you.. nice to see you ❤️

[@user-jq2de2yo6e]

So true.

[@DonnaAndCats]

Yup. Once in a while I completely forget how to swallow my food. This can lead to me actually choking momentarily! It's ridiculous. I have to distract myself in order to swallow. 🙄 Ironically, a similar thing happens when I'm waking down stairs. I forget how to do it if i look at my feet. Ah, anxiety is so much fun. 😫

[@Sunmoonstars976]

That's exactly how I describe it to people. I say it's like I forget how to swallow.

[@larrythelobster5633]

I had the worst panic attack of my life almost 3 months ago and I was having a very hard time just swallowing my clonazepam to help me calm down.

[@Sunmoonstars976]

I don't swallow mine. I just let them dissolve in my mouth.

[@amandasavage4872]

I’ve had this for a couple of months now and bc of it lost so much weight. I thought something was wrong with me and everyone told me it was all in my head. Thank you for showing this as I am finally getting comfortable eating.

[@jeannestuff]

how did you overcome it please ?

[@pumpkinpatch5]

@@jeannestuffYou have to be brave and tell your brain that it’s putting you in fight or flight for no real reason. Sit and calm yourself. Do controlled breathing exercises. Start to regain the confidence in your swallow by chewing very small amounts, distracting yourself, and waiting for your reflex to take over.

[@pumpkinpatch5]

It’s not you, it’s your brain playing a trauma file every time you eat. Fight or flight response overrides the logical part of your brain, so it’s not you!

[@Megan-zi9tf]

Thank you for making this. It’s not talked about enough. Please keep doing what you’re doing, it helps ❤