Symptom 8: Fear of Eating
Food, in its essence, is a source of joy, comfort, and sustenance. But imagine a scenario where each meal is clouded with apprehension, where the very act of eating becomes a source of anxiety. For individuals with SMA Syndrome, this fear of eating is real and profound. With recurrent pain, nausea, and other symptoms post-eating, the psychological association between food and discomfort becomes deeply ingrained.
It’s not just about physical discomfort. The emotional toll of anticipating pain or vomiting with every bite can be debilitating. Social gatherings centered around meals become sources of stress. The joy of trying out new cuisines or dining at favorite eateries gets overshadowed by the dread of potential symptom flare-ups.
This fear can spiral into a vicious cycle. Reduced food intake can exacerbate malnutrition, which in turn can intensify other symptoms. Over time, it’s not just the body that’s starved, but the soul too, as the simple pleasures of food and fellowship become distant memories. (8)
