I don't deserve to eat after a panic attack

[Lizb1991]

I'm just wondering if anyone else felt like this. I feel so hungry and really want to go get something to eat, but I feel so guilty that I don't deserve to eat. That it's a way of punishing myself.

[Kkimm]

So sorry to hear how you feel. This must come from a deep seated sense of guilt. It may help to have therapy if you can access it.

Ofcourse you should not feel guilty, you are suffering an illness and are in no way to blame for having a panic attack. Try to be positive with yourself and see it that you need comfort and support not blame. Is there anyone around who could reinforce that message and give you comfort after an attack.

Therapy would help you tackle this in more depth but I fully understand how difficult this can be to access. Therefore until you feel able to access it try giving yourself that message over and over again even if you do not believe it at first and use any positive support from others around you who could help as well. If possible give yourself some nurturing and do eat a small amount of foods that will comfort you or a proper meal if it is meal time but preferably healthy options. Do something gentle and relaxing if possible until you feel better. If it happens when you cannot immediately do this, save it up until later.

Very best wishes.

Kim

[hypercat54]

Hi you are being punished enough by having a panic attack which was no way your fault. Now you need to nurture yourself and eat to keep your strength up. Don't punish yourself further please. x

[Lulu02]

Being tortured with having a panic attack is enough already. Think of it as if you had a heart attack, which it really feels like most times. Would you punish yourself for that? Both things are uncontrollable, it’s not that you’ve done anything wrong. Not feeding yourself Is feeding the anxiety, prove it wrong and treat yourself because you made it through that panic attack, you came out on the other side and deserve a nice meal.

[Miss_Daphne]

I agree with all of the above! You have an illness, not a "weakness". Feeling guilt and shame is unjustified and can stir up a whirlwind of more anxiety. Be kind to yourself.

Also, try to eat on a regular basis and make sure to have protein. This will help keep your system on a more even keel. Depriving your body of the food it needs can increase your anxiety. If you're on meds, it's especially important to eat or have a glass of milk when you take them because your body will absorb the medication better.