Anxiety and Food Allergies

When people think of food allergies, they often picture the physical side: hives, EpiPens, emergency rooms. What they don’t see is the emotional toll and the mental load that comes with managing severe allergies every single day. That toll is called anxiety. It’s a part of the allergy experience that’s rarely talked about and often hidden from the outside world, quietly building up inside those of us who live it every day.

The fear is real, and many of us live it every day. One mistake, one mislabeled product, one inattentive server can lead to a reaction. For me, that fear has evolved into persistent, exhausting anxiety that flares up around meals, social events, travel, or even just trying something new.

It’s not just about the food. It’s about trust. Trusting others to understand. Trusting labels. Trusting myself not to miss something. It can feel isolating, even when surrounded by people who care.

My daughter has several life-threatening food allergies. That means I have to stay alert, aware, and ready all the time. I read every label, clean every surface, and question every ingredient. I plan ahead for birthday parties, errands, vacations, even just a simple snack outside our home. And still, even with all the preparation in the world, there’s always that voice in the back of my mind: What if something slips through?

To be honest, it’s exhausting. Living in a constant state of high alert takes a toll on your body, your mind, and your spirit.

But over time, I’ve found ways to cope. These strategies don’t take the anxiety away, but they help me carry it better:

• Breathing techniques
  Simple deep breathing exercises like inhaling for 4 seconds, holding for 7, and exhaling for 8 this can help calm my body in moments of heightened anxiety.
• Creating safe spaces
  Our home is an allergy-conscious zone. While I can’t eliminate every allergen, our house is strictly peanut-free. If anyone consumes something my daughter is allergic to, it’s eaten at the table, over a plate, because crumbs are my enemy. I work hard to make sure our home is a safe space where she can just be a kid.
• Therapy
  Speaking with a therapist who understands medical anxiety has helped me begin to separate rational caution from spiraling fear. This kind of support is so valuable.
• Support systems
  Whether it’s family, close friends, or allergy parent groups, surrounding myself with people who truly understand this lifestyle makes a big difference.
• Letting go of guilt
  I’ve stopped apologizing for asking questions or bringing our own food. My daughter’s safety comes first, always.

If you’re living this life too, please know: you’re not alone. You’re not overreacting. You’re not being dramatic. You’re being a parent doing everything you can to protect your child.

Your anxiety doesn’t make you weak. It means you care deeply. It means you’re always thinking three steps ahead even when no one notices.

So today, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I see you. I’m right there with you.

Thank you for reading, and for holding space for this part of the allergy journey that so many people never see.