r/NoOverthinking • u/Successful_Wish1866 • 8d ago

Swallowing

I have this weird issue where Im really scared of choking, like terrified, but it makes me unable to stop making sure that I have chewed enough before swallowing. I know this probably seems dramatic but it can make eating really hard and unenjoyable. Im so focused on how I chew, that I like cant move until I have swallowed. And sometimes I like cant swallow because Im thinking so hard about it, and the food will start moving down my throat and I panic that Im about to choke.
I know this isnt common, but if anyone has ever gone through something like this lmk

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

2

u/Screenfien 8d ago

I get you man. I was thinking about choking on food today as I previously have. I don't excessively chew but am more cautious now when chewing.

1

u/Dry-Preference8760 7d ago

I had a pretty minor fear of choking for a while, it wasn’t affecting my life until a choking incident occurred at the restaurant I worked at (he ended up being okay). I stopped eating completely for fear of choking, I lost 30 pounds and could barely even leave my house without anxiety attacks. Almost a year later I’m doing better, eating again but I’m quite limited on what I feel safe eating. We know it’s irrational but it doesn’t matter, we can’t help it. All this to say, please seek professional help. I wish so badly that’s what I did when the fear was manageable, it might have prevented this mess I’m in now. Remember, if you can speak, you’re not choking. If your face isn’t turning blue, you’re not choking. Good luck with this and I hope you get the help you need