Page 114 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

In what situations are you the most anxious when dealing with your allergies?
Chelsea - Situations that make me the most anxious about my allergy include when I have to go to other people’s houses for dinner. I feel like I can never trust anyone with my allergy and that cross- contamination can always be a problem. I usually eat before I go anywhere just to make sure. And, if I know the people, I decide whether I am eating beforehand using how much I know about how the food will be prepared to judge how safe it is. Although it makes me feel bad and rude for not eating, I have to do what I have to do to not have an anxiety attack.
Mathew - I feel most anxious when I am in a situation that could be dangerous or when there may be negative consequences if I speak up. Some people, for example, do not understand what an allergy is and I tend to be very anxious when they offer me food that is dangerous. I fear that, if I have to turn it down, they may think that that I am lying to avoid their offering of food.
Stephanie - I am most anxious in new restaurants that I have not tried before or at conferences or meetings where I cannot order food in advance. I just have to hope that they can accommodate my allergies.
Who are the people you count on to be supportive?
Chelsea - The people I depend on to be supportive are my parents and friends. They all know about my allergy and I expect that they won’t put me in dangerous situations. And they understand when I say that I can’t eat at places because of it. I also expect my boyfriend to be supportive. I spend most of my time with him and, if he didn’t understand, it would be hard for me to feel safe around him.
Mathew - I count on my family and my friends who understand my allergies. Although you cannot rely on anyone but yourself, the support of the people who are close to you will give you the needed confidence to deal with your allergies effectively. If I have to speak up in a restaurant, I find it much easier to do around friends who understand my allergies than people that I have met for the first time.
Stephanie - I count on my friends and family to be supportive. A strong support network will help in the toughest situations (and they should always know where to find your auto-injector).
Are there specific triggers that bring on anxiety for you?
Chelsea - Some triggers that bring on anxiety are when people talk about my allergy when I am eating or when people around me have nuts. I also get anxious when I go to restaurants and the server doesn’t seem 100% positive about my food being peanut-free. I usually leave or ask to speak to the manager because being safe is my number one priority.
Mathew - The worst trigger is seeing or smelling nuts while I am eating. My body must think that they are going to be ingested.