Allergy anxiety: a parent’s experience

Allergy anxiety: a parent’s experience

  • 27 January 2025
  • News

As we continue to raise awareness of #TheHiddenBattlewithAllergies in 2025, it’s crucial to recognise that allergies impact not only the individual but also their family.

With approximately 40% of children affected by allergies, many parents are also dealing with the day-to-day challenges of managing their child’s condition. Beyond providing care and support for a child who may be anxious about their diagnosis, parents often experience their own worries and stress.

In honour of stem4’s Parent Mental Health Day 2025 on 30 January, Sam Phillips has bravely shared her experience of the emotional and practical challenges she faces as a parent of children with serious allergies. Her story has inspired her to launch a blog to support other parents navigating similar experiences.

Sam’s Experience

Hi, I’m Sam. I live in East Yorkshire with my husband and our two wonderful children, both of whom have serious allergies. Jessica, who is eight years old, is allergic to milk, and Georgia, who is four, is allergic to eggs and certain nuts. Both girls carry adrenaline auto-injectors everywhere they go.

Managing these allergies is incredibly challenging, as milk and eggs are ingredients found in so many foods. I’m constantly checking ingredients (and then double- and triple-checking) to ensure all food is safe. Living with the constant threat of anaphylaxis is stressful because you never know when a reaction might occur or how severe it will be. This uncertainty takes a toll on our mental health.

Sam Phillips
Sam Phillips

When the girls are at school and my phone rings, my immediate thought is always, “What if one of the girls has had anaphylaxis?” If Jessica tries a new flavour of crisps (even if it doesn’t contain the allergen), I wonder if she might react, as it could have traces of milk due to cross-contamination during production. When we go to a restaurant, I worry about cross-contamination, even after discussing the allergies with the staff and checking the allergen menu.

Fear of exclusion

It’s also difficult for the girls, especially at school, where they often feel excluded and unable to fully participate. Last Christmas, Georgia’s class was having a party, and while all the children were told to bring food to share, Georgia could only eat her own. She felt sad because she was different. It’s hard because we need to ensure the safety of children with allergies, but if the children had just eaten their own food, Georgia would have enjoyed the party. With a little planning, people with allergies can be safely included in celebrations. Let’s encourage schools to adopt allergy-friendly policies that allow children to focus on learning and socialising without the fear of exclusion.

At the end of last year, I launched my Anaphylaxis Community website and social media channels on Instagram and Facebook. By raising awareness about anaphylaxis, I hope to spark open conversations about food allergies, helping others understand the condition and allowing those with allergies to feel more comfortable. Inclusivity is crucial, as isolation can heighten anxiety and stress. People with food allergies already miss out on so many simple pleasures and just want to be treated like everyone else. By advocating for allergy awareness, we can create a culture where children with allergies feel safe, understood, included, and, most importantly, happy.

I’m excited to help make the world a better place for those living with the risk of anaphylaxis!

If you’re a parent seeking support, please listen to our latest podcast episodes focused on allergy-related anxiety.

Have a question? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Helpline Team here.