Well this problem has gotten to a point where I can't live like this, next year is college and I seriously feel like I will wither away from lack of food. The problem is that whenever Im eating with people I may not normally eat with like suppose I go out or go to a party with food, I start to feel nausea and then I have a strong sensation of throwing up. It sucks because while its happening, I stop eating and it just totally kills me because Im not thinking about anything else except for trying to burp silently to make my stomach feel better and take some deep breaths. I went away for a camp and I had no problem with anxiety of approaching people, but when it came time to dine with others those times were horrible for me because the feeling I got was so extreme. I even lost a few pounds since I would only eat minimally.

It isn't a eating disorder because I WANT to eat and when Im home, I will eat normally.
The weird thing is, when I go out to eat with my family or my closest friends, I don't have this anxiety? Yet when you add a person who is just a friend that normally I don't eat with, it starts.. I think the problem originally started when like 4/5 years back, I got a stomach virus two years in a row about at the same time and ever since then, I'm afraid of throwing up.

Any advice? I don't want to continue making excuses like "Im not hungry" or "I have to go but next time Ill eat with ya".. This is more than just about PUA, its about my life and I don't want anything bad happen to myself especially once I get into college, the one week camp thing was a real test for me and handling it for years is going to be crazy. Should I get SPAM or something?? Please help!

Go find a psychiatrist. Really . . . this anxiety thing for you isn't just a nuisance and you obviously know that it's affecting your health. He/she will probably prescribe you some meds that will help with your symptoms right away and he/she will recommend a course of SPAM.

You have an interesting prospective on the history of your condition. You maybe right but even so, it will be difficult for you to tackle this issue on your own. I'm not sure where you live and what type of resources are available to you but don't put this off.

Thanks man, I just needed reassurance, the thing is I haven't told anyone and currently 17 so I wonder what my parents will think, they may think Ill just get over it once I get there and it isn't a big deal. Should I just try to go by myself to see one or actually tell my parents?

Your parents will listen to you if you sit them down. Don't just blurt it out of the blue. They'll take it more seriously if you set aside a time for this talk so maybe during breakfast, announce to them that you have something important that you'd like to discuss with them. Let them know that you'd like to set up a time to discuss this with them.

This issue has NOTHING to do with PUA or girls. This is 100% about your health so DO NOT mention birds and the bees thing . . . because as you wrote, this is not what your problem is about. Tell them exactly what your symptoms are and how it's affected you. Tell them how long you've endured this problem. Tell them what happened at camp.

At this point, the solution could be much easier than you think. You just need some assistance with finding that solution. But do not put this off any longer. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to get out of this little hole. Let us know how you do . . .

Ya usually when some serious condition occurs to me I usually just blurt it out I guess to not make it awkward and for them to not worry but that is precisely what I shouldn't do.

Thanks man, I just needed some feedback so I know Im not just crazy. Will talk to my parents as soon as possible once I figure out how to tell them but I have to do this before my senior year ends. Will let you know on progress.

Just an update for those interested, talked to parents (well one of them, I guess really shy of what other will say ) and says we will work on it, in these few months and see how its going. I think she thinks its anxiety of just being with other people rather than just straight up phobia/anxiety. Atleast its a start and I feel a lot better about it. If it isn't getting any better on what we are doing, we will step it up in a few months probably by doctor. Thanks Kasabi for giving me the initiative to atleast talk about it, otherwise my life probably would have been a mess later on.

dude I had the same thing, always had problems with my stomach. most people will give you the tip to take your breath into your lower stomach you can try if it helps for you. just focus your breath to it. their are more tips but hard to explain...

though what really helped for me was acupuncture

Ya the breathing technique is what I do a lot. Acupuncture?? You got rid of it by people poking needles into your body?

acupuncture is awesome, it helps with alot of stuff.

i used to have really bad anxiety attacks right when i got to college. i'd get to school and would just sit in my car waiting for the feeling i'd throw up to go away. it got so bad i would take pepto bismol every morning before school and it seemed to help. However, i learned it was just a mental crutch i was using to satisfy my mind into thinking it was helping when really it was just anxiety being around girls and not knowing how to talk to them. What i did was i would give myself positive self talk in the car, and also practice the deep breathing techniques. also it helped me to splash cold water on my face in the restroom before class and then it lowered my anxiety. after a few weeks of doing that my anxiety left and hasnt been back since. i've also made huge strides in pickup now that its gone. I suggest trying some positive self talk. My brother had problems eating in front of people and i told him what i would do and he tried it and it worked.

Thanks man, I am glad to see that it CAN be overcome. Have been looking into breathing methods and the pressure points, will be trying that to see how it goes.

This is just a stress response, nothing serious.

I would go and see a local hypnotherapist to sort it out.

Matt

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