Anxiety- fear of food allergies

[Bree1]

Hi everyone

Just wondering if anyone has any coping strategies for anxiety related to food. Tomorrow I have to go to a restaurant for lunch with my partners family. It’s a set menu and 5 course meal. I never eat different foods or food like seafood or fish or nuts that people are regularly allergic too as I have a fear of having a reaction. I’ve seen someone at a restaurant have a reaction before and it’s really stuck in my head. I know tomorrow the menu has lots of seafood on it and I’m going to have to eat it. I have major anxiety about this. When I’ve had to eat salmon in the past the second I put it in my mouth I panic and stress out. I don’t want to cause a big scene when I’m out tomorrow but I just know I’m going to panic.

any strategies ?

thank you !!!

[Ggrand]

Hello Dear Bree!

A very warm and caring welcome to our forums,

I don’t have food anxiety, but wanted to pop in to say hello...

I know at times I do feel anxious about eating foods from different cultures, mostly about the foods that I haven’t heard of..as I think a lot of people do...

Most food allergies I think are detected very early in our lives as we are growing and or food intake starts to vary for the nutrition our body needs...

I think if you have eaten seafood before without a reaction you will be okay....I know your probably thinking..that’s easy to say....but I know it’s hard to put your concerns away that easily....

I am really very sure that Restaurants are extremely careful to cook their food properly and make sure that it’s of top quality before it’s been served...

Hopefully once your food is dished up and conversation begins, some of your food anxiety will subside and you can enjoy your time with your partner and their family..

Kind thoughts,

Grandy..

[Bree1]

Thank you so much for your reply !!
really appreciate it !

[jaz28]

It is difficult, my sister has a bad nut allergy so I know how debilitating fear of reaction can be.

I think it is safe to say that if you have eaten it before, you will be fine. If you have a reaction (unlikely) you will be in safe hands and someone will be able to help you. The staff are understanding so you could always ask for an alternative option and tell everyone you're sensitive to seafood.

When you're there, you will probably find the anxiety will subside.

I hope it goes well,

Jaz.

[Petal22]

Hi Bree1,

Wellcome to our forums!

Im sorry you are experiencing anxiety related to food.

I understand how debilitating anxiety can be.

Have you ever had any type of reaction to foods?

Do you normally experience anxiety around food at a normal dinner?

I understand the worries.

Deep slow breathing is great for anxiety.

Also practicing mindfulness.

[Bree1]

Thanks so much Jaz !!!

[Bree1]

Hi 🙂

Thank you for your reply !!! No I haven’t had a reaction but I’ve avoided all seafood and nuts for as long as I can remember because I’ve always had anxiety around it.
I don’t normally get anxiety around normal dinner because I cook it or it’s foods I would consider as normal to me like chicken dishes or meat (lamb or beef). Although as soon as something is served that I have never had before or that I don’t know what’s in it I will get very anxious especially when I put it in my mouth. I just go into panic.

[Petal22]

That’s ok 😊

If you know your not allergic to these things and the anxiety around them affect your life, you could do a mental health plan with your gp this will enable you to see a psychologist who can give you many strategies for anxiety.

[Bree1]

Yes I think that’s what I will do ! I don’t think I’m allergic to anything I don’t remember trying every seafood though I think I’ve just had prawns when I was 10 and I’m in my late 20s now. But my aunty developed a nut reaction when she was in her 40s so I think that plays on my mind and the fact I’ve avoided all seafood and nuts since a young age worries me too.

[bayli_]

Hi Bree!
I’m sorry that you’re going through this. It’s extremely debilitating, but you’re not alone!

I also have a diagnosed phobia of anaphylaxis. I will not eat common allergen foods such as seafood and nuts. I haven’t eaten them in approx 6-7 years. I have had blood tests and skin prick tests to prove to me that I’m not allergic but of course the anxiety and fear is there. I’m in therapy for mine, and what seems to help me is referring to my “evidence and fake library”. What’s the evidence I’m not allergic, and what is the irrational thought saying to me and how can I challenge this thought. And I’m not sure if you do this (this is something I do) but I time my panic attacks. If it has been past 30 minutes then the likelihood of you experiencing an allergic reaction is slim to none. These are just some things I do, but of course it would be more beneficial to speak to a professional about it 🙂