• Replies 27 replies
  • Subscribers 90 subscribers
  • Views 3229 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Wanting to cook but anxiety holding me back

Katy

Hi, I'm new here, and hoping that this is something some of you might understand.

I'm 28 and have autism. I struggle in such a big way with seemingly normal every day things. Because of my physical health problems I'm unable to work but I want to become more independent so like doing my own banking, my parents do this for me at the moment. And I want to start learning to cook so I can look after myself as and when I need to when my parents aren't around anymore.

But there's a problem. My anxiety. It's absolutely monstrous and it affects me in so many ways, physically and mentally. I want to learn to cook but I'm so anxious about doing it for so many reasons.

I'm worried about,

  • Giving myself and others food poisoning.
  • Burning myself.
  • Being a terrible cook. 
  • Food disagreeing with me and making me ill.

I know I shouldn't let my anxiety win and rule my life but I can't help it. It's got this bad that it always wins and I've had therapy and everything but nothing has helped me. 

I'm open to any suggestions and advice. Please help. I desperately want to be able to cook and enjoy the stuff I make. I've bought so many pots and pans, and cooking tools, but I haven't been able to use any of them yet.

Parents

  • Hi I’m so sorry you are facing such a challenge. Have you tried to start cooking with someone with you or always alone? If you tried with someone from your family, does it help for you to remind yourself, that the person who is assisting you, the person you trust, will not let you cook bad or poisonous food? The hardest thing is to start. If you can start doing it, it will come much easier but I understand that here you are at the moment. Maybe you can also try to be more compassionate with yourself, like to tell yourself even if I dont cook perfect at the first second or things time, I will finally learn it. I know it’s easy to say, hard to do. I’m sorry if my advice sounds silly, this is just what finally started working for me, when I repeated these things many times. If the therapy didn’t work for you, maybe you also consider changing a therapist? Maybe there are also issues with the approach of your family members. 

  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    I've always tried on my own so far, though it wasn't cooking exactly it was making cakes but it didn't go great honestly which in itself put me off straight away.

    I do need to ask my mum if she will cook with me but chances are she will say no and list a load of reasons why I can't cook. Unfortunately she is like that, she was the same when I was trying to work. 

    I'm on the waiting list to see a therapist so hopefully soon I'll have some professional help with some of my problems and challenges.

    Your advice isn't silly, I really appreciate it. Thank you Relaxed️

Reply
  • in reply to Alien0n3arth

    I've always tried on my own so far, though it wasn't cooking exactly it was making cakes but it didn't go great honestly which in itself put me off straight away.

    I do need to ask my mum if she will cook with me but chances are she will say no and list a load of reasons why I can't cook. Unfortunately she is like that, she was the same when I was trying to work. 

    I'm on the waiting list to see a therapist so hopefully soon I'll have some professional help with some of my problems and challenges.

    Your advice isn't silly, I really appreciate it. Thank you Relaxed️

Children
No Data