Fear of swallowing

Lately when I have been eating I suddenly jump up because it feels like my throat got a stuck-caught feeling like it closed. The more it kept happening I started to keep thinking about it. Now its all I think about and it feels as if I have trouble even swallowing liquids or my own saliva. I didn't feel problem swallowing before I started thinking about it. Only sometimes it would feel like my throat closed when eating. It is a horrible feeling because I feel like I can't swallow even if there is no food. As soon as I start to think about it again the feelings arise worse.
I haven't been eating for fear something will happen. I've been only having liquids. Sometimes I get the lump in throat feeling where it feels like something is moving up and down or just there. But it all started when it kept feeling like food getting stuck in my throat. I wasn't anxious at those times so it makes me worried. I was not thinking about swallowing when the closed throat feeling occurred. I just want to be able to eat and drink without worrying about swallowing! I don't know what to do:scared15:

Dear Summer,
Two years ago I went through the same situation where I started getting the swallowing fear. Just as it was the case with you, this also happened at a time when I was not particularly anxious so it came as a shock. All I can tell you is that I am sure you don't have any physiological or functional problems that prevents you from swallowing properly. It's probably just anxiety that comes to haunt us when we least expect it. I even went to a specialist because I was sure that I had a serious problem going on. If you have the opportunity to go to the doctor, I suggest you go get an expert opinion as that is going to give you some peace of mind.

I know it's easier said than done, but I know from experience that with time you are going to relax about this and you're going to start eating with no problems. I went from eating nothing..and losing substantial weight, to finally being comfortable eating again, to the point that now 90% of the times I am completely able to shake my fears off and eat normally.

I am sorry that I cannot provide a clear and specific solution as this is something that I still battle with once in a while. Now, looking at the bright side of it, thanks to this scary experience ,now my daily intake of water has increased tremendously. In the past, I hated drinking water and now I cannot live without it :) so of course that's a benefit for my overall well-being. My kidneys are happy at least haha.

Anyway, bottom line is you are not alone as many people, including a Chilean writing from many miles away, have been through this. :) abrazos and stay strong.