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How to get help with anxiety while eating solid foods?
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General Health
Question #20559
46 days ago
124

How to get help with anxiety while eating solid foods? - #20559

Jon

Hello, I havebeen dealing with anxiety for a like 4-5 years now and it became worse since now I have it hard to eat solid foods. I get a lot of anxiety and feel overwhelmed sometimes. Some symptoms are throat closing, pressure in my head and pain in jaws.

Age: 20
Chronic illnesses: No
Anxiety
Food
Throat
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Doctors' responses

Dr. Shayeque Reza
I completed my medical degree in 2023, but honestly, my journey in healthcare started way before that. Since 2018, I’ve been actively involved in clinical practice—getting hands-on exposure across multiple departments like ENT, pediatrics, dermatology, ophthalmology, medicine, and emergency care. One of the most intense and defining phases of my training was working at a District Government Hospital for a full year during the COVID pandemic. It was chaotic, unpredictable, and exhausting—but it also grounded me in real-world medicine like no textbook ever could. Over time, I’ve worked in both OPD and IPD setups, handling everything from mild viral fevers to more stubborn, long-term conditions. These day-to-day experiences really built my base and taught me how to stay calm when things get hectic—and how to adjust fast when plans don’t go as expected. What I’ve learned most is that care isn't only about writing the right medicine. It’s about being fully there, listening properly, and making sure the person feels seen—not just treated. Alongside clinical work, I’ve also been exposed to preventive health, health education, and community outreach. These areas really matter to me because I believe real impact begins outside the hospital, with awareness and early intervention. My approach is always centered around clarity, empathy, and clinical logic—I like to make sure every patient knows exactly what’s going on and why we’re doing what we’re doing. I’ve always felt a pull towards general medicine and internal care, and honestly, I’m still learning every single day—each patient brings a new lesson. Medicine never really sits still, it keeps shifting, and I try to shift with it. Not just in terms of what I know, but also in how I listen and respond. For me, it’s always been about giving real care. Genuine, respectful, and the kind that actually helps a person heal—inside and out.
46 days ago
5

Your difficulty eating solid foods is caused by anxiety-induced muscle tension and fear conditioning, not a physical blockage or danger. By relaxing the throat and jaw, using breathing techniques, gradually reintroducing solid foods, and getting anxiety-focused therapy, this condition is treatable and reversible.

You are not broken your nervous system is just stuck in overdrive.

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
45 days ago
5

Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems like occlusal malocclusion or chronic dislocation Usually it should improve on removal of the ecological agent Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation. Please share the result for better clarity Opg Cbct if possible Esr CBC Throat USG Please share the result for confirmation and please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Regards

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Experiencing anxiety when eating solid foods can be distressing, and the symptoms you’re describing such as throat closing, head pressure, and jaw pain can make eating uncomfortable. First, it’s important to rule out any physical conditions that might contribute to these symptoms, so a consultation with a healthcare provider is advisable to assess possible medical issues like GERD, which can mimic some anxiety symptoms. If no physical cause is identified, then focusing on addressing the anxiety itself may help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a well-supported treatment for anxiety and could help modify the thought patterns and behaviors that are contributing to your symptoms. It might also be beneficial to engage in gradual exposure therapy, where you slowly reintroduce solid foods in a controlled manner to reduce feelings of overwhelm and allow your body to get used to eating without anxiety. Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness before and during meals can help manage acute anxiety symptoms as they arise. Regarding nutrition, a gradual shift to softer, easier-to-eat foods that you can tolerate might help maintain nutritional intake while working through these issues with a professional. It can also be valuable to review your overall lifestyle and identify any stressors that could be contributing to your anxiety, and finding ways to minimize these stressors where possible. In some cases, medication prescribed by a psychiatrist or primary care physician may be needed to help manage anxiety symptoms. Monitoring symptom progression or changes is key, so maintain regular follow-ups with a healthcare professional to ensure appropriate care. If at any point symptoms of anxiety become severe or interfere significantly with daily functioning, seeking immediate assistance is crucial.

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Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
46 days ago
5

Hello,

Anxiety can cause throat and jaw muscles to tighten, making eating solid foods feel difficult and overwhelming.

This condition is common, reversible, and treatable Your throat is not closing, muscles are tightening

Eating slowly, taking small bites, practicing deep breathing before meals, Sip warm water in between meals starting with softer foods can help.

Avoid eating when rushed or overstimulated.

Gentle jaw massage (2–3 min) Open mouth wide → relax (5–6 times) Neck stretches Yawning motion helps reset swallowing muscles

Long-term improvement usually comes from anxiety treatment, especially CBT therapy, and sometimes medication

If there is real choking, weight loss, or pain while swallowing, a medical checkup in person is important to rule out physical causes.

I trust this helps Thank you

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