How do I stop being afraid to eat?

It's not easy to just suddenly stop being afraid to eat but somethings that can help is remembering that food isn't going to hurt you it's their to nurish you and keep you healthy, talking to a friend or family member about how you feel around food, or even talked to a therapist

Unfortunately the answer isn't so simple. When we are afraid do a particular thing, it is normally a response to anxiety. Eating Disorders are unfortunately complex mental illnesses that cannot be treated in a day, there is no magic wand! I would suggest reaching out to a professional who can help you overcome these feelings and put in place some strategies to help you cope, especially some healthy coping mechanisms to distract and help you feel much better and overcome the anxiety you are feeling.

You've already gone part of the way by asking this! It's really hard to seek help for overcoming fears, and you're incredibly brave for doing so. Well done! Here are some suggestions I found: You could make a list of foods you struggle with eating, and perhaps order them in a way such that the hardest foods for you are at the bottom and the easier ones are at the top? The idea is to work your way down the list. Another is to pair the more challenging foods with the less challenging ones, so it's sort of balanced. These are probably only applicable if you have certain types of food that you're uncomfortable with, though! It may be helpful to keep a positivity journal as well to encourage yourself, maybe record what you've eaten on that day and put in quotes or whatever motivates you to inspire yourself? You could also find someone to support you and check in on you! Hope you find something that helps!

work your way up to it. fear is often related to anxiety, probably about perceived consequences. sometimes planning what to eat can help by giving you a sense of control. eating with a friend can also be good as a buffer

Remember that the food also contains nutrients and vitamins for your health. If you don't you might get some problems from it.

You don't. It's harsh, but no matter how much progress you make, however much recovery you do, you'll always have that lingering anxiety about whatever's on your plate. Just take it a little at a time, until you're eating a healthy amount again (or until you can ignore that fear).

At first think: "what is it that you are afraid of?". Then find yourself a counteraction: If it's gaining weight, go on YouTube and find a 5 min home workout video. It might surprise you how much better you feel after even the shortest workout.

Having a fear of eating, and food in general, sadly won't leave overnight. I think it's great you've reached out for help, it shows your passion to recover ❤ that's awesome! I would suggest writing down the foods you find most challenging, so that you know what you're working with. You might find a pattern in these foods - perhaps they contain fat or sugar. Now, make a list of the foods you find less challenging. Try to compare them; and even try to challenge them. Ask yourself whats the difference between these foods. You'll probably find a thought-trap/disordered thought within it. You could try googling 'how to get out of thought trap... .' to find an appropriate plan of action for you 💙 best of luck in your recovery! - Becca

Sometimes anxiety and depression can be accompanied by a fear of eating. By acknowledging your fear is real and valid but is ultimately detrimental to your wellbeing. Asking yourself what's the worst that might happen if you eat? Examining those possibilities in a logical and rational manner in terms of how likely or unlikely they are often removes the emotion from the equation and suppresses the fear. Once you have surmounted the barrier of fear, you will often be able to eat slowly and gently, which can reassure you in future instances that eating is not only safe but necessary and withholding sustenance can be self-harming.