Do You Suffer From Deipnophobia?
Socializing usually involves food and drink.
The fear of eating in front of others is known asdeipnophobia.
Irene Wissel / EyeEm / Getty Images
It can wreak havoc on your social life, work prospects, and adjustment to high school or college.
You may find yourself turning down invitations or making choices that don’t require eating in front of others.
Foods that could get stuck in your teeth might be avoided altogether.
Your doctor can help assess the situation and coordinate treatment.
CBT involves identifyingnegative automatic thoughtsand replacing them with more rational thinking patterns.
Some form ofexposure trainingusually complements this practice of cognitive restructuring.
Exposure may mean actual eating and drinking scenarios in which other group participants act as dining companions.
Are you worried about how others will perceive you or more worried about eating the actual food itself?
Ask yourself these questions to better understand your own disordered eating patterns and what the next steps may be.
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