My husband

Don't know if I'm in the right place or what but I'm after some advice. I think my husband suffers from anxiety. He is not by any means severe but it does get him down and has an enormous effect on his life. Basically he hates eating in front of anyone, he's fine with me but anyone else and he gets himself into a right state although to look at him he seems fine. On numerous occasions we have been out for pre paid meals and he has sat and played with food but not actually eaten any, then feels guilty and keeps apologising as we've spent the money for him to sit there and attract comments that he hasn't eaten, which makes him worse!!! Also he won't admit that it's really that big a deal so if I were to advidse him to talk to a doctor about it he would say it's not a medical matter and he'd be wasting everyone's time. Does anyone else suffer similarly or have any advice on what we could do about it?

Thank you.

Becci.

I have had and still on occassion have this problem. I personally, when I am anxious and I am out choose food that is easy to swallow, such as soup and bread or ommettle or fish that I know does have any bones such as halibut or sole with mashed potatoes. I do this so I won't focus on the food. You are probably right that your husband has some anxiety around food it would help to know what it's about. Too bad he won't speak to someone about it. So what if he doesn't eat.. he can just say he wasnt' as hungry as he thought. I suggest you don't focus on it either, you might just reassure him it's ok if he doesn't want to eat and let him make his excuses.
Lisa

I know what he's like and how it affects him so I don't dwell on it at all, although I do feel for him. It's later when we get home though and he keeps apologising for not eating and spoiling my night even though he hasn't. This is what I can't get through to him, that he doesn't have to apologise, especially to me. Maybe one day he'll talk and get it all off his chest.
Becci.