Finding Balance: A Therapist's Guide to Managing Anxiety and Allergies

 As a therapist and someone who lives with various severe allergies, I understand the unique challenges that come with managing both mental health and physical health. I'm allergic to 26 different things, including: dogs, cats, cockroaches, the California pepper tree, molds, dust mites, various types of grass, and even my own sweat. I also live in Southern California, which has a long allergy season. Southern California has astronomically high pollen counts starting in December/January. Once that season ends, other tree pollens become a problem until June. Grass pollen can provoke allergies from March through September. Finally, fall sees a spike in weed pollens from August through November. As you can see, allergy management is a daily occurrence for me. It is a lot to handle, but I've learned some strategies that help me cope, and I'd like to share them with you.

Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, itching, runny nose, and watery eyes. In more severe cases, allergies can cause hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction. Conversely, anxiety often presents as excessive worrying, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia. Physical symptoms include rapid heart rate, quick breathing, and gastrointestinal problems.

Anxiety and allergies often go hand in hand. The fear of an allergic reaction can lead to heightened anxiety, while stress and anxiety can exacerbate allergy symptoms. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to food allergies. The fear of trying new foods, apprehension about dining in unfamiliar restaurants, or avoiding traveling to foreign countries where you don't speak the language (and therefore can’t ask what the food is made of) can be overwhelming. This interplay of anxiety and allergies is known as allergy anxiety and is a valid concern.

Finding balance when dealing with anxiety and allergies is a journey of understanding and acceptance. It's about recognizing that these conditions are a part of your life, but they don't define you. Balance comes from learning to manage your symptoms effectively, whether that's through medication, lifestyle changes, or therapeutic strategies. It's about acknowledging your feelings of anxiety without letting them overwhelm you, and taking proactive steps to manage your allergies without letting them restrict your life. It's also about self-care and self-compassion, giving yourself permission to rest when you need to, and seeking support when things get tough. Finding balance isn't about achieving a perfect state where anxiety and allergies no longer affect you; it's about learning to live a fulfilling, meaningful life despite them.

Finding balance is a holistic process that involves both your mind and body. This brings us to self-care, a vital component of managing anxiety and allergies. Self-care is crucial. It isn't just about taking care of your physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep can help manage anxiety and allergies. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can also be beneficial. They can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being.  Moreover, self-care can also include activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading a good book, taking a warm bath, spending time in nature, or even indulging in a favorite hobby. These activities nourish your soul and help create a positive mindset, which is essential in managing anxiety and allergies.

Another critical aspect of managing allergies is medication. My doctor has recommended that I take two allergy pills a day. Given the advice on the bottle, I would have never thought to take more than one. My doctor explained that given my complex allergy presentation, the bottle’s direction does not lean toward my severity and needs. It's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding medication, as they understand your specific needs and can provide the best treatment plan for you.

Allergy shots, or immunotherapy, have also been part of my journey. They involve regular injections of a small amount of the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Over time, these shots can help your body become less reactive to these allergens. I have both cats and dogs in my life for whom I love and cherish. I knew that I wouldn’t rehome them if there were something I could do to manage my symptoms. I go every three weeks to get a shot, and I can live with my pets comfortably. It's a long-term commitment, but it can benefit many people.

Allergies can worsen over time or as we age. Regular evaluations with your general doctor or a specialist like an allergist are crucial. As we age, we may discover we are allergic to things that we hadn’t realized or had only sensitivities to. I've undergone allergy testing, including blood and skin prick tests, to identify my allergies. While the prick test can be uncomfortable, it's a quick and effective way to understand your allergies better.

It's essential to have strategies to help you manage your allergies, which will result in managing your allergy anxieties. Practical steps to reduce exposure to allergens include changing clothes when you come home to prevent the spread of outdoor allergens like pollen in your house. Regular cleaning, especially in high-dust areas, can also help. Always carry your EpiPen and have a translation card for your allergies. If food allergies are a concern, becoming a pro at reading food labels and researching restaurants and cuisines beforehand is important. Educating your family and friends about your allergies can also help create a safer environment. It can also help normalize your experiences, such as avoiding new places to eat until you’ve had time to research properly.

One of the most effective ways I've found to manage my allergies is by using an air purifier. It helps remove allergens from the air, reducing the risk of an allergic reaction. I also regularly use an inhaler, as prescribed by my doctor, which helps manage my symptoms.

Always ask for help. When you enter public spaces, please take note of what accommodations they may provide you. For example, when I attend comic-book conventions, I inquire about their lines outside in the heat and seek accommodations for virtual queues or return times. The more I am out in the heat, the more I sweat, and the more I sweat, the more I break out in hives and rashes. Therefore, the accommodation of staying in cool air-conditioning is crucial to my ability to enjoy the event.

Finally, seek support. Whether it's from a doctor, a therapist, a support group, family, or friends, don't hesitate to reach out. You're not alone in this journey. Remember, it's okay to have bad days. It's okay to feel overwhelmed. But it's also OK to take care of yourself, to seek help, and to do what you need to do to manage your health.

Living with anxiety and allergies can be challenging, but it's important to remember that it's possible to lead a fulfilling life despite these conditions. It's about finding what works for you and taking it one day at a time. Remember that your journey with anxiety and allergies is uniquely yours. It may be filled with challenges and obstacles, but it's also an opportunity for growth, resilience, and self-discovery. You are more than your allergies or your anxiety. You are a person with strengths, passions, and dreams.

And remember, no matter how tough the journey gets, you are not alone. Reach out, seek help, and take care of yourself. You are worth it.

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