Thank you, Dibbler! I haven't tried CBT yet, but I did see a therapist two years ago, and I was beginning to practice the steps she gave me, but then I found out my insurance didn't cover her sessions. Then life got busy, and I haven't sought out someone new until now.
I admire people who have serious health issues and seem to be anxiety-free. I'd love to know how your brother manages not to let his health consume his thoughts, and how he manages not to imagine the worst case scenario. Have you ever asked him how he handles his health mentally/emotionally?
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Thank you, KK77!
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Can I ask everyone a few swallowing questions? When you're not consciously anxious, have you ever experienced food getting stuck at the back of your throat for an entire meal? It happened to me about a month ago, and I haven't had it happen again since, at least not to that degree.
Also, can anyone describe to me how it feels when you don't swallow normally? I'm curious if what I'm feeling is similar to other anxiety-related swallowing problems. Tonight, for instance, I felt like my esophagus was narrow/tight most of the time. It took extra time for food to travel down my throat, and even drinking water feels as if it's forcing its way through a narrower area.
Lastly, does your tongue and/or the muscles in your throat ever feel tired or weak when you're swallowing? I get this once in a while, and it might legitimately be tied to an existing condition that I have. But I'm curious to know if anxiety can do this as well. Thanks!