Can't swallow - horrid - feel like im dying

Hi everyone,
I'm Sandy and I'm a 22 year old female from London.
I have suffered with anxiety since 13 years old and there is one symptom that keeps returning (well, all symptoms return but this one is particularly horrid). It is the symptom that I feel as though I CANNOT swallow.

When I was around 15/16 years old I started (suddenly) to feel as though lost the ability to swallow. After some research I soon found out that this was a symptom of anxiety and the 'cant swallow' symptom 'backed down' a bit and I was able to eat & drink again (probably the relief as to finding out it wasn't anything physical)
However, then, about a year ago, this symptom returned with a vengeance. and this time, it is AWFUL to the point where I fear I might just starve to death/die of dehydration. because I have more or less given up eating solids and now evening drinking water I cannot swallow it.
I keep telling myself it's all my head but when I was 17 I was diagnosed with gastritis and have been on ranitidine ever since. I rarely suffer with indigestion or heartburn - more nausea.
The reason I mention this is because I've been reading forums/blogs about not being able to swallow and most people say it could be GERD (I know I haven't been diagnosed with GERD, but gastritis is more or less same thing)
I know this is all a bit confusing but NOW I feel as though maybe not being able to swallow ISNT ANXIETY and maybe it is a symptom of gastritis/GERD?!!
please note: when I drink alcohol (not advised when you have gastritis, I know) - I can actually swallow a lot better (assumedly being more relaxed, that would point to it being physiological?)
ALSO, before I had gastritis I had this swallowing issue; so really, it's nothing new.....


PLEASE someone reassure me that 'not-being-able-to-swallow' IS a sign of ANXIETY and NOT a sign of something physical (i.e damaged throat from gastritis etc)

will appreciate any reassurance,
much love & thanks for reading, SANDY

Although not as severe, I suffer from the "hard to swallow" symptom when anxious. It makes it difficult to eat, which fuels the anxiety about my inability to be "normal." I've also been diagnosed with GERD. Like you, I find a glass or two of wine relaxes me.

Try to distract yourself while eating or drinking - watch TV or flip through a magazine. Anxiety symptoms are fueled by further anxiety - a nasty cycle. Good luck to you.