How to get help with anxiety while eating solid foods? - #20559
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.
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Doctors’ responses
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.
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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