I've got a "problem", and I've had it for around 8 years now. Why I call it a "problem" is because there's not actually any physical cause, it's only in my mind. The symptoms are real though.

The problem is that when I'm around people my anxiety makes me unable to eat anything. Even just a thumb-sized portion of food will make me feel really nauseous, or make me have to seek out a restroom.

Initially I believed it to be allergies or some other cause, but my GP determined it was due to the anxiety and stress I experienced when around others. Over the years I have learned this is true. When I am alone for extended periods of time I never get sick. Ever. No matter what I eat, or when I eat it. But if I eat when I'm around people I will become sick 100% of the time, and if I was around people for several hours, or if it was a particularly stressful time, than my guts will be all messed up for a couple days.

I've tried digestion improving herbs and supplements, and things like Pepto Bismol, but they don't work. My guts are fine... it's the anxiety.

Because this happens, whenever I have any appointments or when I know I'll be seeing people that day I have to starve myself until after I've seen them. Even then the stress from having been around others will linger and affect things. I am extremely light weight due to this, never having been more than 120lb (54kg), and I frequently have nutritional deficiencies and a lack of energy from not being able to eat what I need when I need.

Does anyone else experience this, and if so, have you found anything that has helped?