Does the thought of having lunch with colleagues fill you with a sense of fear, instead of excitement? Or have you skipped a meal because you did not want to eat in public? If so, you are not alone. Many people experience fear or anxiety when they eat around other people In this article, we’ll explore why some people are anxious while eating in public and also look at a few ways to overcome the same.
Understanding The Fear Of Eating Around Others
The fear of eating in public or around other people is a lesser-known form of social anxiety known as deipnophobia. People with deipnophobia experience an extreme fear of eating in public. People with this fear may worry about spilling food, looking unattractive or vomiting while eating in public. This fear might be difficult to deal with, impacting and severely limiting one’s social life
Why Do Some People Fear Eating Around Others?
There are many reasons why some people might feel uncomfortable eating around others. Some of them are
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Past Negative Experiences
Negative experiences from the past, such as choking or vomiting in public as a child, may contribute to the development of this fear. Also, if someone has been teased, bullied, or criticised about their eating habits or appearance in the past, they may develop a fear of eating around others
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Fear Of Judgement
A big reason why many people fear eating in public is the fear of judgement. They might worry that people are silently judging them for what they eat, how they eat or how much they eat. Some people may be conscious of chewing too loudly or spilling food as well.
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Social Anxiety
Sometimes, the fear of eating around others or in public can indicate an underlying social anxiety disorder. For people with social anxiety disorder, any social situation can be stressful. Eating in front of others can feel like being the centre of attention, adding more pressure to an already anxious situation.
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Body Image Issues
Body image issues may also lead to the fear of eating in front of others. Societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards can make people overly self-conscious about their appearance and eating habits. They might worry about being judged for their weight or appearance while eating.
How To Overcome The Fear Of Eating Around Others?
The fear of eating around others can seem overwhelming, but there are many ways to manage and overcome it. They are:
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Gradual Exposure
Exposure therapy is one of the most effective treatments to deal with any form of anxiety. Exposure therapy will slowly expose you to situations that involve eating in front of others. This will be done in the presence of a therapist. You will also be taught relaxation techniques that will help reduce fear over time.
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Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT will help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that might be contributing to the fear, while also helping you form more realistic and helpful thoughts contributing to reduced fear.
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Positive Affirmations
Replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations can boost self-confidence. Remind yourself that it’s okay to eat in front of others and that everyone makes mistakes.
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Shift Your Focus
When you notice yourself getting anxious, make a conscious effort to shift your focus. If you have people around you, try to focus on having a conversation with them or keep your focus on enjoying the food. Really pay attention to the taste, smell and aesthetics of the food. This will allow you to be in the moment, instead of getting caught up with anxiety.
Conclusion
The fear of eating around others is a common issue experienced by many people, so it’s important to remember that you are not alone..By understanding the reasons behind your anxiety and taking steps to manage it, you can gradually overcome this fear and enjoy your social life without worrying. If you find yourself going through this fear, do not hesitate to seek help at the earliest
References:
- Deipnophobia: Definition, Symptoms, & How to Treat It. (n.d.). ChoosingTherapy.Com. Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.choosingtherapy.com/deipnophobia/
- Deipnophobia: How to Address Anxiety with Eating in Public. (n.d.). Retrieved June 4, 2024, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/blog/deipnophobia-food-and-eating-anxiety-in-public
- M.A, A. C. (2022, March 21). 12 Tips to Overcome the Fear of Eating in Public (Guaranteed). About Social Anxiety. https://www.aboutsocialanxiety.com/fear-of-eating-in-public/
