Anxiety kills my appetite, how to cope?

[8StarrySkies8]

I'm new, a mid-20s female studying abroad in Taiwan, whose anxiety has taken a turn for the worst since the approach of final exams. I've had anxiety issues since childhood and have been taking fluoxetine 20mg since the age of 16. Up until a few weeks ago, this was enough to keep my anxiety manageable. Ever since the pressure of finals made me snap, I don't feel the same. I was temporarily prescribed Xanax 0.5mg when I cried for help, and that helped me finish the semester, but since coming off of it during winter break, my feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, restlessness, and loss of appetite have all returned. I'm fortunate that this is happening during winter break and I have some time to fix this before a new semester starts, so I'm trying everything I can. I went to two psychiatrists yesterday and one gave me Mocalm (Flupentixol 0.5 mg, Melitracen 10mg) to try, and in the meantime I have been trying to incorporate at least 10 minutes of cardio exercise into my day, practicing deep breathing, researching mindfulness and meditation, going to church and praying--but the hardest thing to deal with is eating. I have no appetite, and this is coming from someone who normally loves food. The smell of food now repulses me. I have to force myself to eat a banana in the morning, to try to nibble on nuts or sip soup in the day, and otherwise drink "Ensure" (nutrition beverage typically for elderly and chronically ill) so that I don't starve myself. Sometimes I can tell my body is physically hungry, I feel weaker and uncomfortable, but eating is still so hard. Does anyone have advice on how to cope? Thank you for reading. We're in this together, I hope we all get better!

[AnxiousCanadianChic]

I also have this issue quite often and I just make myself eat or I buy ensure shakes( 😂 even though I’m not 90) just to at least get some nutrients.

[8StarrySkies8 in reply to AnxiousCanadianChic]

Thank you for the response, it sounds like our approaches are similar, and perhaps that's all we can do until the anxiety lowers some. I'll take it a day at a time and hope my appetite will return soon~

[maslater]

I would recommend getting some counseling, perhaps there is a reason that you are unaware of that needs to be addressed.