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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Scared To Eat In Front Of People, Anxiety. Had A Choking Incident In The Past. Need To Come Out Of This Fear

A couple of months ago I was in a social event, I started choking on a small food particle, luckily after a traumatic of choking for couple of seconds. I have become scared to eat in front of people and scared to eat, every time I eat i become anxious and especially in front of other people. How can I overcome this fear?
Fri, 18 Jan 2013
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Geriatrics Specialist 's  Response
hi there
am dr.surendiran
nice to meet you here in HCMagic
I like to tell you ,lot of people are having their own anxieties
so dont fear for that
i would like to tell you some simple ways to overcome the sutiation
1 Look at other people and the surroundings
2 you spoke first in crowded areas
3 last and most important, just take a lonely room in your home,assume that their are people in that rooms all over,now try to eat out their,step by step ,you will recover from anxiety
hope helped your query
regards dr.surendiran hcmagic
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Psychiatrist Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar's  Response
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

It is possible that a very socially embarrasing or traumatic event can trigger a social anxiety. Now, it is good that you have been able to recognize your symptoms early and have sought help. It is important not to avoid social situations or eating outside due to this fear or anxiety, since this avoidance will only end up reinforcing the fear.

I would suggest that whenever you get such anxious thoughts, you can practise relaxation techniques like deep breathing or try distract your mind from such thoughts. If you learn to counter the anxiety using these techniques, without avoiding or escaping from such situations, then soon the fear and anxious thoughts will subside. In case the problem is persistent or worsening, please seek professional help from a psychiatrist.

Wish you all the best.

Regards,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Consultant Psychiatrist
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Scared To Eat In Front Of People, Anxiety. Had A Choking Incident In The Past. Need To Come Out Of This Fear

hi there am dr.surendiran nice to meet you here in HCMagic I like to tell you ,lot of people are having their own anxieties so dont fear for that i would like to tell you some simple ways to overcome the sutiation 1 Look at other people and the surroundings 2 you spoke first in crowded areas 3 last and most important, just take a lonely room in your home,assume that their are people in that rooms all over,now try to eat out their,step by step ,you will recover from anxiety hope helped your query regards dr.surendiran hcmagic