Page 109 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

What situations make you feel frustrated?
Bailey - People not being able to comprehend the severity of my allergies frustrates me the most. I have been in situations where I have explained my allergies to someone and then they have eaten my allergen when I’m with them. This is extremely frustrating and also triggers my anxiety.
Giulia - I feel most frustrated when everyone else around me is eating something and I know I can’t eat it—especially when someone says how good it is.
Tess - I get frustrated when people don’t comprehend how serious my allergies are. In the long run, I find that those who have limited knowledge in the allergy area, and who aren’t interested in learning, don’t make long-lasting friends. The people I choose to surround myself with do get it and make my life easier, not more frustrating.
What do you do to feel better and let off steam? Bailey –
Giulia - I try not to surround my social life with food. Go to the movie theatre, go dancing, and shop! You can have a lot more fun doing other activities.
Tess - I love to do any kind physical activity if I need to blow off some steam. If I’m still upset after that, I always find talking to someone about my frustrations helps. Whether it is my parents or a friend, I always find that they have useful words of wisdom.
Is there anything you do to prevent feeling frustrated because of allergies?
Bailey - I try to avoid situations where I would normally feel frustrated. You often have an idea of what has been frustrating in the past. So I use my experience to try and avoid that situation again in the future.
Giulia - You've got to let it go. You can’t let it bother you too much. Be happy with what you have and the things you can do. Try not to let the things you can’t do constantly cloud your mind and judgment.
Tess - In general, I think that knowing who to surround yourself with is a key aspect of a having a happy and healthy life. This is even more important when you have allergies. Being able to look at the big picture is a huge asset to have in your back pocket. It’s not worth getting upset over the little things.
To wrap it up...
I always find I feel better after I work out and play sports. It's always been a good way for me to
get my mind off of things.