Specialties & ConditionsFood Allergy Program Food Allergy-Related Anxiety
Food Allergy-Related Anxiety
Food Allergies and Anxiety
Food allergies can affect a child’s quality of life. Studies show that children with food allergies may experience higher levels of anxiety, distress, and even teasing and bullying compared to their peers. Anxiety about food allergies can affect parents, too. Please read below to access educational resources and information that may be useful to you and your family in this situation. You can also speak with your allergist about these concerns, or make an appointment with one of our behavioral health specialists by calling 1.800.543.7362. For more behavioral health and anxiety resources, you can read about the Lurie Children's Mood and Anxiety Program, or visit the website for the Family Institute at Northwestern University.
What is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, worry, or fear about things that might happen. It often shows up as “what if” thoughts—like “What if I get sick?” or “What if something bad happens?” These thoughts can make a child feel tense or uneasy, even when there’s no immediate danger. While it’s normal to feel anxious from time to time, frequent or intense anxiety can make everyday situations feel overwhelming.
Learn more about anxiety:
What Can Cause Anxiety in People with Food Allergies?
For children with food allergies, everyday situations can bring up big worries. They might feel anxious about eating something by mistake or being around food that could cause a reaction. Using an epinephrine auto-injector, going to the hospital, or needing to call 911 can also feel scary. Social situations—like eating out, going to birthday parties, or sitting near someone eating their allergens—can add extra stress. Some children worry about standing out, having to explain their allergy, or being teased or bullied. Even trying new foods or doing a food challenge at the doctor’s office can be overwhelming. These fears are understandable and very real for kids managing food allergies.
How Can Anxiety Help You?
Believe it or not, anxiety isn’t always a bad thing. Feeling a little anxious can actually help keep you safe. For example, that extra caution can remind you not to eat foods you’re allergic to and to double-check ingredients before taking a bite. This kind of “protective worry” is your body’s way of looking out for you—helping you make careful choices so you can stay healthy.
When Can Anxiety Hurt You?
While anxiety can sometimes help keep you safe, it can also get in the way. If worry starts popping up every time you eat or makes you feel like you can’t do things with your friends, it can start to hurt more than help. Some kids may feel so anxious that they avoid fun activities or have trouble focusing and paying attention. When anxiety feels too big or constant, it can make life feel harder—and that’s when it’s important to get support.
What Can You Do When Anxiety Feels Like Too Much?
Anxiety can sometimes feel big and overwhelming—but there are ways to manage it and feel more in control. Here are some helpful strategies for kids and families navigating food allergies:
Learn more
Understanding your allergies can help you feel more confident and less afraid. Learn how allergic reactions happen, what’s going on in your body, and how to spot symptoms early.
Knowing exactly what to do in an emergency can make a big difference. Read our blog post: The Science of Anaphylaxis – An Allergic Storm.
Be Ready to Treat a Reaction
Feeling confident starts with being prepared. Learn how and when to use your epinephrine—it can save lives! Common devices include:
Read More About Food Allergies
Sometimes it helps to hear stories from other kids with allergies. Check out books like Jessie’s Food Allergies for a fun and relatable way to learn.
Talk to Someone You Trust
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Talk to a parent, your doctor, a school nurse, or another adult you trust. Sharing how you feel is a great first step.
Try Relaxation Techniques
Relaxing your body can help calm your mind. Here are a few ways to try:
- Deep breathing: Try breathing in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, out for 4, and rest for 4 (called square breathing).
- Muscle relaxation: Gently tense and then relax one muscle group at a time.
- More coping tips:
Write it out
Writing your thoughts down can help you feel more in control. Try journaling or making a “worry box”:
- Write down a worry on a piece of paper.
- Put it in your box.
- Leave it there - let it go for now. You can even ask a parent to take the box out of your room.
Take charge of your anxiety
You can learn to talk back to your worries!
- Notice when you’re thinking in circles (like “what if, what if”) and pause.
- Imagine your worry as a silly character - what would you say back to it?
- Remind yourself: I’ve got this. I know how to stay safe.
Still feeling stuck?
If you’ve tried these ideas and still feel overwhelmed, that’s okay. It’s important to ask for help. Talk to a trusted adult - they can help you get the support you need.
How to Screen for Anxiety
To better understand how food allergies affect children’s mental health, experts at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia created a special tool called the Scale of Food Allergy Anxiety. There are two versions of this screening tool: the SOFAA-C, which helps measure anxiety in children, and the SOFAA-P, which lets parents share their perspective on how anxiety is affecting their child. These tools can help families and healthcare providers recognize when anxiety is becoming a problem and guide next steps for support.
Additional Reading and Information
- Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR).
- Read our blog about allergies
- You can also locate the following informational videos:
- Learn more about navigating food allergies in kids
- Learn more from Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE)