Fear of anaphylaxis
Hello, I have a fear of having severe allergy attacks and not being able to breathe. Just in preface, I've never had anaphylaxis, but my dad does have alot of severe allergies like that. Now I can't eat food he's allergic to or new things without getting panic attacks that I have suddenly developed these allergies. What should I do?
I understand what you are going through. You are having fears of having a severe allergic reaction to foods because you have seen your dad go through these reactions. You see it happen to him, you think that it can happen to you as welll. That's scary and it makes it hard to eat because of the panic attacks. It may help to eat these foods just a little at a time and pay attention to your body and mind. With the panic attacks, your mind plays tricks on you, because the symptoms of panic are similar to that of the food reactions. As you eat little bits and tell yourself that you are alright and get your breathing under control by doing breathing relaxation exercises, you are taking your control back. As you continue to do this, there will be less panic and you can eat bigger amounts. It's difficult. The fear is real. It just takes awhile to reprogram yourself.
