Phobia of an allergic reaction, can you help?

Question

Hi Im 15 years old and basically since I was 13 Ive developed a massive phobia of having an allergic reaction after eating something or trying something new and my throat swelling up and well basically death in the end. I have been having panic attacks all this time too and they get really bad but recently they have got slightly better now and I thought I was on the mend. But whenever I put something in my mouth Im unsure of whether its a sweet Ive never tried before, and sometimes I have had it before, or whether its toothpaste or something silly like that I have to spit it out as I can feel a panic attack coming on, and I have scratches in my mouth where ive stuck my fingers down there to check its not swelling up.

Its totally irrational and I know its irrational but its stopping me from eating things like currys and lots of other foods in case Im allergic to them. Its easy saying, oh you wont be, but Ive tried to adopt a different attitude and I just cant break it :(

Any ideas on what I can do as its making me depressed as has done for 2 years. Thanks

Answer 1

I would go to a psychologist about it.  They can help you better deal with it.

Answer 2

It may be a good idea to get an epi pen and carry it with you at all times just in case. You should be fine, and most reactions don't immediately close the throat so you would feel it coming on.

Answer 3

I have anxiety over allergies, too, but not as severely as yours. I've got severe food & enviromental allergies and worry a lot about allergic reactions. I carry an epipen, along with a pill fob full of benadryl that I have to touch pretty often to reassure myself that it's still there.

Have you ever actually had an allergic reaction to food?  Maybe you should see about being tested, even if you don't have any known allergies, to help yourself see and understand what you are allergic (or not) to.  Then you can tell yourself "I KNOW I'm not allergic to this".  You could also see about going for therapy, to someone who specializes in phobias if at all possible.  Sometimes these things aren't something you can overcome yourself without help.

Good luck!

Answer 4

ur exactly like me lol!

im 14 and i have the same problem but ive been going to therapy becuase i have really bad panic attacks they trried puting me on prozac but im afraid to take it cuz im scared i'll b allergic to it and my throat will close up and i hate trying new foods and i even lost 17 pounds bcuz i wont eat  but what i reccomend you do is just relax and if you ever need some body to talk to about the problem just email me [e-mail] id b happy to talk to you about it