Please reassure me

[Anxieteaa]

I’m an idiot.

For years I’ve convinced myself I’m allergic to peanuts, I was found to have an allergy to almonds as a child (I don’t) and honey nut cornflakes etc give me terrible tummy ache.

I have masses of anxiety, some around food. I have eaten Reece’s pieces before and been fine... but I just got pissed off with myself for being an anxious mess and restricting myself to made up rules and ate a Reece’s ice cream cup. Now I’m having a big old anxiety attack waiting for anaphylaxis to kick in and I’m alone. Why would I eat it, but also why can’t I just bloody eat it and not be like this. Please reassure me I know I’m stupid but I can’t get a handle on this at the minute and it’s got worse since lockdown

[iklboo]

Anaphylaxis usually comes on really rapidly. How long ago did you eat? Is it possible you have an intolerance rather than an allergy?

[WorraLiberty]

Average time to kick in is around 20 minutes

But seriously, if it gives you this much anxiety, stop eating nuts!

[Anxieteaa]

15 mins ago now, rationally I think you’re right it’s an intolerance maybe to do with how they’re prepared or something. I can eat actual whole peanuts and I’m absolutely fine minus the panic, just nut cornflakes or Cheerios and that started the worry about being allergic.

If I caved to everything I was anxious about I’d live no life. It’s not rational I need to get over it. I can’t cut everything out!

[birdy124]

I've struggled with health anxiety and it's gotten worse during lockdown. I disagree that you should stop eating nuts, exposure therapy for anxiety is important. if you can, try and get an allergy panel, and talk to allergist, it's pretty rare for an adult to have big allergic reactions with no history of them. I found getting a crap ton of heart screenings ( that was my fixation) helped ease anxiety. Whenever I get anxious about it I remember the doctor showing that everything is healthy and working. I know some people get addicted to doc reassurances, but I found it helpful.

Also talk to a health anxiety trained counselor, they can give you good strategies.