deipnophobia

[anx1ty_chl0e]

Does anyone else here have a fear of eating out in public places? I really struggle especially in groups as I feel as though people are judging me when eating

[Christory77]

I’m sure that’s very common. For me it’s more about the noises. When I go to a restaurant I’m usually on edge and over sensitized so all the noises really do a number on me and for that reason I avoid it. It’s amazing the things we allow our minds to convince us of.

[rainbowcatcher]

My daughter has it and its part of her feeling worried and self conscious all the time. she even feels self conscious breathing if the room isn't noisy. when i asked her why she said her brother teased her that her nose whistled when she breathed in with a cold when she was little. she said even now sat on a bus she worries people can hear her breathing and thats when she doesn't have a cold and her breathing makes no noise. It seems little things can cause us to be self conscious and being out in public makes them worse.

[anx1ty_chl0e in reply to rainbowcatcher]

Yes I understand this as a few years back someone judged how I ate then as soon as I gained a bit more confidence another friend started saying I'm a slow eater and kept rushing me even though i wasnt too slow. My anxiety keeps telling me I've got to eat in time with others. Siblings always love winding eachother up. Maybe carrying a nasal spray would help her if she thinks shes going to whistle? They work well

[designguy]

Sounds like you are dealing with social anxiety disorder and have developed beliefs and assumptions about your self that aren't true for whatever reason. People with SA have a distorted perception that people are always judging or focusing on them when the reality is just the opposite, most people are just caught up in their own thoughts and activities. You would benefit from working with a therapist that specializes in treating it and typically uses exposure and group therapy in the process. There is a lot of info on youtube about SA and online programs if you can't find a therapist. People with SA also tend to have low-self-worth and low-self-esteem which can cause or contribute to their SA. There is also a lot of good info on youtube about it as well as books and programs.

[anx1ty_chl0e in reply to designguy]

The thing is I'm too scared to go to see a therapist and don't have much time on my hands from working. I'll have a look on YouTube. Any channels you recommend?