Discussions

Recently I have developed a anxiety of swallowing foods! Soft or hard foods, it doesn't matter ! I think I'm going to choke with every bite so I tense up! It's affecting my life very much because I won't eat to avoid the anxiety ! I am on anxiety meds, but they are not helping ! Can anyone recommend some way to get through this or direct me in the way of someone that can ! I have tried the mental health place and they were great but did not help ! Thank you !

Just a suggestion - if you could get a referral from your doctor to see a psychiatrist about your anxiety - might help you deal with the issues that are causing this. Good luck.

But that may take a while before you get in. Can you think back to what was going on in your life when this started. Go talk to a counsellor who may help you manage the fear and anxiety.  
I also deal with anxiety on a daily basis. Antidepressant have helped me. I keep Ativan for more serious episodes and I do cognitive behaviour therapy.

I know you mentioned both soft and hard foods; but here is a thought--it takes less muscles to swallow things that are a little thicker than thinner. Yogurt, smoothies, puddings, tomato juice. Is there any chance you could begin to talk yourself through swallowing with those types of things, and at the same time getting some nutrients? Might be a start along with other types of therapy.  
I don't know a thing about this phobia, but what about even some therapies that may help you relax; massage, reiki, acupuncture?  
I would also get a referral, or make an appointment with a speech language pathologist as that is what they do (deal with swallowing disorders).

Have you been to a doctor to test for other problems my friend had a hard time swallowing out of nowhere was going on for sometime till they really didnt want to eat because of the fear of choking until they went for a scope and found out they had esophageal cancer maybe go see a doctor and have tests done maybe something worse is happening

I'm sure there are many others that are impacted by this disorder around the world... have you tried social media to connect with support groups and others affected? I would just type in Phagophobia in the search bar and see what pops up. I know there is a National Foundation of Swallowing Disorders page. Check it out. Good Luck and I hope you find the help and support you need.

Try the doctor and also see if you can talk to a speech language pathologist as well. They are the people who do swallow and eating screens on people who have had problems. They can council you on things to help you swallow easier and treatments.

Thank you everyone for your replies!

I didn't know this was even a thing. I have bad anxiety as well. It has been a lot worse as of lately. I have noticed the same thing happening with me lately too. When I overthink it, it seems to be worse.  
 
Iv been afraid to even eat candy or mints lately without being very careful and aware of it for fear of choking. I just thought I was losing my marbles lol I see I'm not the only one though  
 
Edited by Happy1986, 2015-10-14 15:11:56

Not loosing your marbles at all ! It's horrible ! I hope I get help soon !

Its not a lot of fun at all. I am going this week to get started fixing this. I thought I could just manage on my own but alas that is not the case anymore. Having Panic attacks daily or more is no fun.  
 
I hope you find a solution to your problem as well. It sucks and unless you have been there its hard to understand.

Keep me posted if you find something that works , and I'll do the same