Dealing with Anxiety-Induced Nausea

I went through a long period during which I constantly felt like my throat was closing, which made it nearly impossible to eat. What eventually helped was getting a Xanax prescription. For about a month I’d take half a mg of Xanax whenever it happened, which was just enough to stop the panic attack without making me loopy. After a certain point, just knowing that I had the option of Xanax was enough—I was able to sit with the discomfort and stop the panic spiral without taking a pill. Aside from that, taking small sips of cold water. I personally found that trying to do breathing exercises made everything worse and it was better to try and distract myself from the feeling altogether.

Some sodas can help a lot because of the additives made to stop that reflex. I’ve found a good way to figure out if it’s mental fear or a physical issue is to watch a short absorbing funny video and if by the end my body still feels terrible then it’s more likely to be physical.

I had this problem a few years ago! It turned into an eating disorder when I was afraid to swallow and I was going to choke. It took about a year to recover but sometimes I still get the feeling while eating.

Peachycat - wow that’s actually a really great tip, Thank you!

I dealt with these issues for years - fear of nausea and fear of throat closure and I still deal with it now! When it was really bad though a few years back, I would put vapor rub on my chest and neck and on my stomach sometimes to try and feel “reality”. It’s cooling and makes me feel more open in a way, so my brain focuses on that vs spiraling into a worry about the other things. Also, tea! I love throat coat. Any of the flavors. Chamomile and constant comet are also favorites.

Thank you!

Mint also helps

I feel for you, I have the same fears. I like gingins for nausea. And I agree about cold water or clear soda

hi! ive had emetophobia for years, i’ve found deep breaths in through the nose out through the mouth as soon as i start not feeling well helps the nausea and panic. if you are already panicking tho, an ice pack or even a washcloth with cold water on it does wonders to help.

Oh soda definitely helps, especially if it's something light like Sprite or Ginger Ale

Panic attacks can manifest in many ways, and nausea is one of them. I find that a glass of water of a tea can be helpful. Even just a coke or soda make me go through it easier

To be completely honest, an inhaler!!!! It has been a life safer. I have experienced the exact same thing Several times and an inhaler has been the Only thing to help! Hope it helps you too. It opens blockages in your throat and you feel like you can finally gasp for air and breath again.

This sounds like emetophobia which is the fear of vomiting. I definitely have this problem as well and usually putting a cold pillow on my stomach helps a little. I also eat Tums like candy 😅. But I've found that being in the cold definitely helps with nausea (that's why restaurant bathrooms are so cold lmao)

i have had that problem before. something that really helps me is just either sipping on some peppermint tea (which helps nausea and can help you relax) OR i try to just sit with the anxiety and let myself be scared because in life i’m gonna feel nauseous and i have to learn to be okay with that. hope that helps. sending love and prayers!❤️