Page 115 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

Stephanie - If I hear, “You could have an allergic reaction from this,” then I get anxious. Sometimes that can happen at the doctor’s office with a new medication or when getting a routine immunization.
Have you ever had a panic or anxiety attack? How does it feel?
Chelsea - I have never had a panic attack about my allergy. But I have stopped eating for days because of it. Feeling so unsafe that you refuse to eat does not feel very good. My parents have talked me through it multiple times and it has gotten to the point where I have made myself sick. The best advice I can give is to think logically about why you’re not eating.
Mathew - I don’t think I’ve had a full-on panic attack. But I have felt overwhelmed by anxiety. In those situations, I find that I have to bite the bullet and act on the anxiety. I know the anxiety is my body telling me that there is something wrong.
What do you do to feel better?
Chelsea - To get over my anxiety I usually have to talk to my mom or someone I know that will talk me through it. They usually tell me to think logically, to ask questions, and to remember that my allergen is not going to jump off the plate at me. If I can’t talk to someone, I breathe deeply and tell myself to remain calm.
Mathew - I feel better by tackling my anxiety through “self talk” and reminding myself that the risks are minimal. This helps me conjure the confidence I need to stay level headed about the situation I am in.
Stephanie - I try to focus on something else and distract myself if I feel anxious. I think about other things I have to do, plans for the weekend or I just call a friend.
What advice would you give to someone with anxiety about their food allergies?
Chelsea – Think ahead. If you know you are going out to a restaurant where menu options might cause you problems, call ahead and ask about foods with your allergens. Alternatively, you can speak to a server before you sit down at the restaurant to make sure. Bring snacks wherever you go so you will always have something on you when there are not 100% allergen-free snacks around. And, of course, always carry your auto-injector!
Mathew – Preparation and research are the keys to tackling anxiety. They help by making you informed ahead of time. You could, for example, read the menu online ahead of time. You may find out that nothing but the desserts have your allergens and that the desserts are shipped in by a third party. This doesn't guarantee your safety. But at least you’ll have more information to base your questions on.
Stephanie - Having food allergies can certainly cause you to be anxious (and for good reasons). I am often afraid to try new foods because I am scared that I will have a reaction to them. I recommend