Quote:They work against grass, cats and dogs and a range of things.
I think food allergies are different though. If you can find out for me I'd really appreciate it.
Quote:peanut allergy, if that is what you are certain it is, may be slightly differently treated
Yes, I am certain that is what it is. I've had the allergy since birth and it's not new to me. The problem is not ridding myself of the allergy, although that would be nice, but rather to learn to cope with it.
Quote:your phobia however can be treated and i would strongly recommend you seeing a doctor
Like I said in one of the above posts; I went to see the head of the psychology department of my school because my teacher referred me to her since she has worked with hundreds of phobic patients. She's a psychological practitioner so of course her help involved doing what I can do to improve things on my part. She showed me some muscle relaxation and breathing exercises to manage my anxiety. she also gave me WAV files (audio) to practice breathing in and out with my diaphragm to reduce anxiety.
She also told me that managing anxiety was the first step and that we need to isolate the issue but eliminating any other stressors in my life (family troubles, friends, etc.). I don't think I have though. I'm generally a really happy and jittery kid most of the time until I came face to face with the idea of eating out with friends, I suddenly become quiet and they know why. It's invading my life and I can't enjoy anything or have breakfast or go watch a movie with friends without thinking about whether or not the person beside me is eating something with peanuts or peanut butter on it.
After isolating the stressors, she explained that I would need to undergo systematic desensitization but the problem is that most therapies are rather expensive and she made that clear. She said that if I wouldn't be able to pay for that kind of treatment, that there was another clinic about 45 minutes away from my house that is meant to accommodate mediocre/lower income families. I have yet to give them a call for some reason. I just haven't made time for it yet I guess. Stupid me.
Quote:let me know what is positive in your life
Almost everything. I have great friends and loving family. The only other problem, or should I say, big problem, which you've already acquainted yourself with in my other thread is the issue with my grandmother. It's a MAJOR stressor. Being left home alone with her is scary. Sometimes she moves things around (vases, clothing, personal belongings, etc.) and she doesn't know any better and I'm afraid I'm getting to the point where I won't be able to withhold myself from delivering a vicious blow to my terminally ill grandmother. It's eats me up inside every time I even get so mad and consider it. I've told my mom several times that I can't control myself any longer when she does irritating things like that and I'm afraid of doing something I will regret. She says we have no other option but to have her live with us for the time being.
Quote:What symptoms do you face when you feel anxious?
Well, when I'm anxious is usually when I think there is or is going to be food or we're going to be eating somewhere that I'm going to have no what out of excusing myself. For example, once, we were eating out, all of my friends and I, and I ordered some pizza and my friend's girlfriend had orders a salad with nuts on it. She was sitting right in front of me (face-to-face) and the entire night, all I could have thought about was whether or not she was eating with her mouth closed. I was terrified of her eating or speaking with her mouth full and having something go into my dish or worse, my face. That's just what I do. I make bearable situations seem worse than they are and I can't stand it.
Quote:Have you researched allergy shots/treatments, or even done an allergy test?
I went to perform an allergy test about 3-4 years ago and I'm still allergic to peanuts, as well as walnuts and hazelnuts. Nothing left yet. I've heard of instances where allergies dissipate after many years. Not for me though.
(03-18-2011, 07:28 PM)HakkuR Wrote: Just don't eat them man.
By far the best piece of advice I have yet to receive. You deserve a pat on the back.
FYI, that's like telling someone that has a fear of snakes, 'Dude, just don't be afraid, that's all.'