Treatment for food anxiety will depend on a person's physical and mental state, as well as other factors such as age. To control the symptoms, one can either go for therapy or medication, but most require a combination of both. A brief explanation is as follows:

• Medical treatment: a person will need an intravenous drip to provide additional nutrients to the body if the condition falls into severe malnutrition. If it stabilizes, then proceed with a treatment plan while not forgetting the importance of a support network.

• Nutritional counseling: a nutritionist or dietitian can help by providing nutritional counseling (education on nutrition, food, portions, sizes, in a personalized manner).

• Therapy: cognitive behavioral therapy, family-based treatment, or support groups

• Medications: antidepressants, antipsychotics, antihistamines

See a nutritionist to help manage your food anxiety

Self-Help

You do need to approach a health professional (doctor, therapist, or nutritionist) to help you manage your food anxiety. However, it's not just about building a support network, you also need to help yourself to overcome it. Here are some tips you can try:

1. Journaling

Keep a journal of your positive goals, such as a list of healthy meals or the impact your body will have if you get enough nutrients. 

2. Understand the triggers

If you already know what causes food anxiety, then minimize the triggers as much as possible. For example, limiting your time on social media or inviting the closest person to direct you to eat when coming to a party.

3. Manage stress

Lower stress levels will help lower anxiety levels. For example, by taking up a hobby, listening to music, spending time in nature, or relaxing.

Not only should you know, but you should minimize the triggers of food anxiety.

How to Manage Food Anxiety

Food anxiety can be controlled by understanding it more deeply. Not only from yourself, but this condition also needs attention from people in the immediate environment. Here are some tips to overcome if you start to feel the symptoms of food anxiety:

1. Ask for help from others because you are not alone

Reach out to a trusted loved one or healthcare provider. Ask them to provide support and guidance as a form of effort to overcome the anxiety that occurs. You can also get support by joining support groups, both offline and online. The goal is to let you know that other people can also experience the same thing.

2. Learn more about anxiety

When we don't know what to expect, dealing with it can feel even more daunting. Therefore, learn more about the mechanisms of anxiety and the role of food in the condition.

3. Focus on the present

Avoid imagining it, avoid saying "what if". This will only worsen the anxiety. Try to stay focused on the present, so that you remain calm in situations that could potentially trigger a relapse of food anxiety. You can do this through meditation or yoga.

4. Start small

Focus on one thing at a time. If you achieve one goal, your confidence will grow, and don't be disappointed if progress is slow at times. Afterward, you can move on to bigger goals. Don't try to change them all at once as that will only confuse you further. 

5. Nourishing your body is a priority

You need to consistently eat a nutritious and balanced diet. Not only that, but the amount should also meet your own needs. The goal is to support your physical and mental health. See a nutritionist or dietitian, don't go it alone. 

So, food anxiety is not something permanent. You can self-help as well as seek help, support or guidance from others (professionals, family, partner, friends). Remember that you are not alone, there must be other people who also feel the same way, so don't be ashamed of it. Read more health articles on Fitie!
 

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