Unable to eat around company

[Wheatley]

Hey,

Well, the title pretty much sums it up. I have always been this way for as long as I can remember. I have always been funny about eating in public. It takes me ages to get used to eating in a certain environment. But my main problem now is eating around my best friend /friends. I'm not a very social person but have recently had a friend sleep over twice in the holidays but I cant eat around him. Its not that I dont feel hungry (coz I do) its just I feel that I might choke and gag on whats in my mouth (I have an over active gag reflex and generally hate anything to do with putting things inside a mouth).

I woke up the other morning at 5:30am, having just 2 hours sleep, shaking due to starvation. I felt really hungry, but couldnt eat (even just knowing he was in the house was enough to set me off). And my parents got really angry at me because I wasted a lot of my dinner. I really hate this but its really hard to get over as ive had this ever since I was really little. I think it has something to do with attention (and me being extremely shy), I can eat while he is eating but as soon as he finishes (which he does fast) I feel like he is waiting for me and then I start feeling like a cant accept food even though my stomach is making the most god awful rumbling sounds. Its obviously a very deep psychological problem and I am really struggling to get over it.

Any Ideas what would help?

PS. I am starting sixth form in a few weeks and I just know that will set me off again
Thanks,

[HunterSteele]

Just feel fortunate that you have a friend who sleeps over with you. That's more important than eating.

[Mortal Coil]

Just feel fortunate that you have a friend who sleeps over with you. That's more important than eating.

That's really not helping. Besides, in Maslow's hierarchy of needs (http://www.simplypsychology.org/Hierarchyofneeds.jpg), food is more important than friends anyway. And telling someone to "be grateful" when they obviously have a problem they want help with, is not going to do much.


Now, you should probably see a psychologist. It sounds like you have social anxiety. You should work on your self-esteem, as poor self-image is often one of the causes for this. Every night, just take a few minutes and try writing down everything you like about yourself. Say it out loud, whatever works for you.

Don't forget the doctor thing!

[Wheatley]

Yeah its going to be hard to persuade my parents to let me go and see a doctor/psychologist. They seem to believe that this is a minor problem that can easily be resolved if i took the time to try and help myself. I am trying those self help trials where you keep a note of good qualities in yourself etc and it helps when im alone but in a social situation the effects are almost instantly undone.

And HunterSteele, I am EXTREMELY greatful that I have a friend who doesnt let my sexual orientation phase him in the slightest, but I feel bad that i cant do something really basicaround him, he shouldnt have to put up with me "wilting" and going weak. its not fair

[Fiction]

I wouldn't call this an eating disorder, as others have said it's more of an issue with social anxiety.

These types of problems can usually be sorted with therapy or meds, but I really think you do need to go and see a psychologist.

Good luck :)

[Wheatley]

I have been playing with this problem for a bit now. Since it is all in my head, and I have noticed that even thinking about social situations puts me off of my food.