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?

[Jolisse]

I have anxiety/panic attacks on a daily basis and go through the same thing with my stomach. I take Mylanta and sometimes that helps.
Are you on meds and/or seeing a therapist?

[LadyShadow]

I just have digestion problems, but I notice when I am feeling a certain way (not necessarily around people), it affects my eating habits. That may not be the same thing as you are going through but I do think that anxiety and eating are linked.

Originally Posted by Jolisse

Are you on meds and/or seeing a therapist?

Not currently I have done both in the past but haven't for some time now.

I've not heard of Mylanta before... will have to look it up, thanks!

Originally Posted by PlatinumHeart

I just have digestion problems, but I notice when I am feeling a certain way (not necessarily around people), it affects my eating habits. That may not be the same thing as you are going through but I do think that anxiety and eating are linked.

Yeah, for sure. Even people with anxiety who have perfect digestion likely experience some other negative physical symptoms. Stress really takes a toll on the body.

[earlyadapter]

Wow I can seriously tell you that Anxiety if un treated can mimic about 25 to 35 different major health concerns and illnesses and your eating and your stomach is a major cause of stomach illness. Anxiety mimics major medical help problems.

you may be interested in seeing my review on "Seroquel" and "Mirtazapine - Remeron" I wrote synopsis' of my anxiety problems and what I'm doing now.

Early Adapter

[Jolisse]

For the last week, my digestion problem has turned into vomiting. I just don't where to turn, besides self medicating myself.