Resources We Trust Mayo Clinic: Peanut Allergy: Diagnosis & TreatmentCleveland Clinic: Peanut AllergyFood Allergy Research & Education: Peanut AllergyAmerican Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology: Everything You Need to Know About Peanut Allergy
Living with a peanut allergy can be overwhelmingly stressful. Many kids worry about having an allergic reaction. While some level of concern is warranted, these fears can become extreme and develop into what experts call food allergy anxiety .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762910c04ae5-033b-41cd-ab9b-e56ab0588bdf Anxiety about food is common in children with food allergies like a peanut allergy, according to research: One study of 250 children with food allergies found that 69 percent of participants experienced food-related anxiety symptoms. Another small study, of 94 children with food allergies, found that 37 percent experienced anxiety at levels that could indicate the presence of an anxiety disorder, while earlier research found that about 40 percent of children scored above average for anxious coping behaviors such as seeking reassurance, double-checking, or being overly vigilant of potential dangers.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629918ea029-4ff4-4f92-9885-20f32fc07230e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629339ce19d-02e0-4d22-b253-e421879bdd4a “Anxiety can become problematic when it starts interfering with daily functioning, social experiences, school participation, eating, sleep, or overall quality of life,” says Lisa B. Rosenberg , a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Safe and Included, a food allergy counseling and consulting practice. “I often see children become consumed with ‘what if’ thinking, excessive reassurance-seeking, or avoidance behaviors that go beyond reasonable safety precautions.” Though these thoughts and behaviors may affect a child’s daily life, a supportive environment can make them feel more in control. Here are six ways parents can help kids with a peanut allergy cope with food allergy anxiety. 1. Educate Yourself Anxiety related to food allergies often stems from an incomplete understanding of the risks, according to Dave Stukus, MD , an allergist and immunologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. “When parents or children are not given proper education, they can assume worst-case scenarios for situations that pose minimal risk, such as sitting near someone eating a peanut butter sandwich,” he says. As a parent, learn as much as you can about the true risks. Ask your doctor and care team about situations your child needs to avoid and those that are safe.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629d5a2bac0-f54e-4c16-b241-31b0ad864a9a Some larger hospitals offer food allergy education classes for families, and the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America offers a self-paced online course on managing children’s food allergies. “Be careful with information online and through social media, as this is often outdated, incorrect, and fear-based,” says Dr. Stukus. Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology 2. Model Calm Behaviors A child’s peanut allergy can be stressful for parents, too. Ninety-two percent of parents of kids with food allergies say they are always or occasionally fearful for their child’s safety.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762910c04ae5-033b-41cd-ab9b-e56ab0588bdf Though it can be difficult at times, it’s important to model calm and confident behaviors for children. That’s because kids often take emotional cues from their parents. “When parents communicate safety information in a calm, matter-of-fact way, rather than with panic or catastrophic language, children are more likely to develop healthy caution instead of overwhelming fear,” says Rosenberg. Stukus says that it’s often the words you use in front of your children that matter. “Instead of saying, ‘My child could die if they eat a peanut,’ parents can say, ‘My child has a peanut allergy , so we need to make sure they don’t eat anything containing peanuts,’” he says. 3. Focus on Preparedness, Not Fear If your child feels prepared, they’re better equipped to cope with symptoms like worry and fear, according to Rosenberg. “Children do best when they feel informed, practiced, and capable,” she says. “This helps build confidence and reduces helplessness.” You can prepare your child by teaching them: Which foods are safe and which aren’t How to read food labels What questions to ask before eating a meal How to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction What to say if they think they’re having a reaction When and how to use epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPen, Auvi-Q) or nasal spray (neffy) 4. Stop Excessive Avoidance While it’s important to be cautious about possible peanut exposures, well-meaning parents can overdo it. “Sometimes, families unintentionally accommodate anxiety by avoiding all social activities, repeatedly checking foods, or providing constant reassurance,” says Rosenberg. There are many misconceptions about peanut allergies that can make situations seem more limiting than they really are. For example, it’s a myth that a child will develop a reaction just by sitting near someone who is eating peanuts.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292058dbd3-993e-48a0-80cf-ae4f1a6cd9a3e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629259abda5-3729-4dc3-bf51-ca91f4dcf91c In general, most kids with peanut allergies can participate in normal activities, like going to school, playing sports, traveling, and eating a wide variety of foods. “The goal is to help children feel both safe and capable,” says Rosenberg. “Kids can learn to manage their allergy responsibly without living in constant fear.” 5. Get Professional Help If your child’s peanut allergy anxiety is severe, you may want to seek the guidance of a mental health professional. “Anytime a child shows changes in their behavior or fear in eating … This rarely improves on its own, and professionals can help guide parents in ways to help their child,” says Stukus. Mental health providers use different techniques to help children and parents cope with food allergy anxiety. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy that can improve symptoms. It involves helping kids to safely approach certain situations gradually and progressively to lessen anxiety and boost confidence.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762910c04ae5-033b-41cd-ab9b-e56ab0588bdf Rosenberg says that early intervention may help prevent anxiety from impacting them more over time. “Working with a mental health professional who understands both anxiety and the realities of food allergies can be especially important, because treatment should never minimize legitimate medical safety needs,” she says. The Takeaway Food allergies can cause worry and stress that interfere with a child’s eating habits, emotional well-being, and daily activities. A supportive environment can help kids cope with food allergy anxiety. The right balance of preparation and emotional support makes all the difference for a child with peanut allergies.