How to Support Someone After an Allergic Reaction (Emotionally)
An allergic reaction can be quite scary for everyone involved - the individual who experiences it and anyone who witnesses it (including siblings, classmates, friends and colleagues).
Here are 3 things you can do to support someone after an allergic reaction.
1. Give the individual some time
It's human nature to want to fix things fast - we just want someone we care about to feel better ASAP. But keep in mind that these experiences are anxiety-provoking and can be traumatic. Everyone responds and copes differently. Some people feel ready to speak about it and others need a bit more time. Gently let them know that whenever they're ready, you'll be there for them.
2. Talk about it
Once they're ready, don't shy away from discussion. I get it, it's hard talking about a scary experience as it can make us not only feel these uncomfortable emotions, but we may notice that our bodies remember. However, avoidance can actually hinder processing of the event. When the person feels ready to talk, allow them to speak openly, without interruption or reassurances like "well you're okay now, don't worry." Letting them retell the event a few times, rather than just once, can help them process it properly.
If you have a young child, walk through the event with them as you would a story — this helps make sense of what happened in a way that feels safe. It can also help to keep an allergy-themed book on hand to revisit from time to time, moving the focus from fear to knowledge.
3. Remember: you’re stronger together
Remind them that they are not alone and you are in this together. Whether you're an individual or a parent of a child living with food allergies, focus on rebuilding confidence gradually and safely.
Daniella Doon-Joseph is a BABCP accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist & EMDR Therapist and an allergy mum herself. She specialises in maternal mental health and helping allergy parents to navigate the anxiety and overwhelm of living with food allergies.
If any of this feels familiar, you don't have to navigate it alone.