Anxiety not only can affect how you function in your daily life, but it can also initiate unhealthy habits with food. Many people struggle with food anxiety, which can stem from body image issues, social anxiety, or food security. The issues you face may not necessarily classify under a disorder, but it is still important to be aware and find the root of the problem, in order to make the first step and create a healthy relationship with food.
There are several different ways your anxiety could flare up involving food and eating. Individuals with social anxiety may have a fear of eating around others. The social situation, people you are surrounded by, and environment can potentially all be triggers for anxiety. It is possible that you are fearing how difficult the food will be to eat, or how messy it is. All of this stems from the fear of being negatively evaluated by others, and it is treatable through therapy and controlling your thoughts. Try to stay grounded and remind yourself that you are your own worst critic, and it is likely that no one will judge you the way that you judge yourself.
The societal pressures of body image also can play a role in your anxiety about food. Social media frequently broadcasts and celebrates skinny bodies, and body-shames those who may be overweight. This can lead to negative self-talk about your own appearance, leading you to obsess about your weight. Media could regularly influence the way you might see yourself, even if it is not a conscious thought. Try to practice positive thoughts about yourself while also being aware that the media regularly warps your perception of body image.
You may also experience anxieties around not having enough food! If you are going to be busy for a period of time, it is possible that you may fear not having enough food to last through it. This can lead to overeating, or the anxiety may make your stomach feel uneasy which leads to not eating enough. If you feel yourself falling into this pattern, try packing plenty of healthy snacks to ease your mind. Planning sustainable meals can also be a key element in combating this anxiety.
If you are experiencing uneasiness regarding food, remember that you do not have to keep it to yourself because it is not physically apparent. Food anxiety does not have to manifest physically in order to hinder your mental health and daily life experiences. Seeking professional help is crucial if you feel your anxieties about food becoming more frequent or more distracting. Being open with a therapist about these habits will allow you to start making healthy decisions both mentally and physically.