03-18-2011, 10:22 PM
Hey there.
First off, I can relate to anxiety. I get regular panic attacks and I have to fight off this fear that something bad will happen to me if I go out. If left untreated, both of our conditions can lead to agoraphobia.
Do you have friends or family that can help you out? Like, if you're in a public place and you start freaking out, can they help you calm down? Maybe get them to remind you that just smelling the peanuts won't cause a reaction and that you're okay. A lot of times when my panic attacks hit, having my husband nearby to reassure me that I'm okay helps a lot. Just so you don't get the feeling of being alone and out of control of the situation. Also, if you're going to a party or someone's house, can you call them ahead of time to ask about what's being served? It may not sound like the politest thing to do, but you can just explain your allergy. I'm sure they'd be happy to work with you instead of risking having you hospitalized.
You can also check on things like restaurants or public malls to see what they have. Public malls usually have an online directory and you can see what restaurants they have ahead of time, check their menus and reassure yourself that there's nothing that will cause an allergic reaction there. Or, avoid the ones that do have peanuts. There's always a chance that someone may bring outside food in and that's something you can't predict or control, but that is life and that is something we have to deal with. Just make sure your Epipen is with you if you need it and keep reassuring yourself that smell =/= allergic reaction. Even if you don't believe it, just keep telling yourself that so it's like a constant reminder in your head.
Also it was already mentioned but desensitization to the phobia itself is the best treatment for psychological phobias. It will take a lot of time and patience and it may stress you out further, but it will definitely help.
Best of luck to you <3
First off, I can relate to anxiety. I get regular panic attacks and I have to fight off this fear that something bad will happen to me if I go out. If left untreated, both of our conditions can lead to agoraphobia.
Do you have friends or family that can help you out? Like, if you're in a public place and you start freaking out, can they help you calm down? Maybe get them to remind you that just smelling the peanuts won't cause a reaction and that you're okay. A lot of times when my panic attacks hit, having my husband nearby to reassure me that I'm okay helps a lot. Just so you don't get the feeling of being alone and out of control of the situation. Also, if you're going to a party or someone's house, can you call them ahead of time to ask about what's being served? It may not sound like the politest thing to do, but you can just explain your allergy. I'm sure they'd be happy to work with you instead of risking having you hospitalized.
You can also check on things like restaurants or public malls to see what they have. Public malls usually have an online directory and you can see what restaurants they have ahead of time, check their menus and reassure yourself that there's nothing that will cause an allergic reaction there. Or, avoid the ones that do have peanuts. There's always a chance that someone may bring outside food in and that's something you can't predict or control, but that is life and that is something we have to deal with. Just make sure your Epipen is with you if you need it and keep reassuring yourself that smell =/= allergic reaction. Even if you don't believe it, just keep telling yourself that so it's like a constant reminder in your head.
Also it was already mentioned but desensitization to the phobia itself is the best treatment for psychological phobias. It will take a lot of time and patience and it may stress you out further, but it will definitely help.
Best of luck to you <3
This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality. Embrace this moment, remember. We are eternal. All this pain is an illusion.
Proudly collared by Viral Dragon
Family:
HakkuR - <3 joo!
Proudly collared by Viral Dragon
Family:
HakkuR - <3 joo!