Page 120 - The Ultimate Guidebook for Teens with Food Allergies

actually boosted my confidence a bit since I realized that using the auto-injector really isn’t that hard and, by the next day, I felt back to normal.
Erika - After an allergic reaction, I often go over the details leading up to the reaction and try to figure out what I could have done differently to avoid the reaction. This does take a toll on me emotionally because I tend to blame myself or feel upset. However, I realize that there are times when even the most stringent precautions may not prevent a reaction from occurring.
Karen - Yes, it normally takes a day or two for me to get back into my normal habits. I become very cautious and aware of what I am eating and what utensils I’m using because of the thought of having another reaction.
Sydney H. - Most definitely! Anaphylaxis can be very frightening and can be very hard on you emotionally. After a reaction, I am usually pretty worked up and don’t want to be alone. It can be hard to understand what you just went through and how it all happened so quickly.
What do you do to recover and start healing/feeling better?
Daniela - I like to move on quickly and continue with my normal routine so I do not dwell on the incident. I make sure to take time, though, to acknowledge what happened and learn from the experience.
Erika - After a reaction, I take some down time away from work, school, and other activities. I take some time to rest and let my mind and body recuperate because an allergic reaction takes a toll on my body mentally and physically.
Karen - I go home and usually keep to myself. I do not like when things go wrong. So recovering from an allergic reaction sometimes feels like I have failed myself. In reality, I know that I just took a misstep, which can happen on occasion. To start healing, I accept the fact that I am okay and I tell myself that I just need to be more cautious. Once I realize where everything went wrong, I figure out a way that I could have prevented it for the next time the situation may pop up.
Sydney H. - To emotionally recover after a reaction, I find it is best to get a lot of rest and never rush back into working or going to school. Give yourself time to process what you have been through to physically and emotionally heal. Also, talking about your feelings is very important. Whether it’s a parent, sibling, or friend, talk about how you emotionally felt during the reaction and any fears that you now have. Getting stuff off of your chest is very important.
How long does it take to get back to normal?