Food allergy-related depression.

heyitsme

Ugh, it SUCKS. I can't imagine what it's like as a young child. I do remember when my first serious allergies were discovered in my teens... navigating the waters of dating with life-threatening food allergies was awful.

Every time it's someone's birthday at work, there's a celebration. Someone in the department brings food and everyone sits around and talks and enjoys the food together. I try to remember on those days to bring a treat for myself (like the other day I brought a chocolate bar) but some days I wind up sitting there eating a freakin' fruit cup when everyone else is eating homemade cheesecake ice cream with a zillion toppings. 

But the worst is like it is right now--when I get to the point of frustration with eating the same foods OVER and OVER and OVER again. If I were 5, I'd be having a tantrum when faced with the dinner I'll be eating in a while (Tinkyada spinach spaghetti [rice pasta] with homemade marinara). Sounds good, but I eat it AT LEAST 2x/week. I'm tired of it! And breakfast? Ugh that is the worst. Oatmeal? AGAIN?!

This weekend I'll probably wind up pulling out my cookbook and whipping up a baked good or two and trying to make some new things... but I hate all the time I have to invest in creating or finding something "new." I hate that I can't go into our cupboards when I'm hungry and just grab a snack. I mean, I can, but my shelf has like 5 things on it... 

Sorry, just rambling and growling... Hopefully this weekend I can turn my food burn-out around.

GHBEA

I'm with you on this one.  We have 3 parties to go to this weekend and I wont be able to eat 90% of the food.  Its going to be burgers and fruit again all weekend.  

g_belle

I hear you.  I'm on an elimination diet right now.  Yesterday my co-workers went to Steak n'Shake for 1/2 price milk shakes in the middle of the afternoon.  Today there were fresh donughts in the breakroom.  I had a safe cereal bar and tea.  I never realized how much everything is related to food until I had to watch every bite I eat. 

cotner

The only experience I have that can relate is in high school and again in college I had my jaw broken and was wired shut for 8 weeks.  I ate shakes for 8 weeks straight.  My variations were chocolate, or vanilla, maybe peanut butter.  Once in a while I craved salty food and would drink potato soup.  I remember the first day of school they were serving my favorite lunch and I just went to the bathroom and cried.  The first time I was around people eating, I cried. 

I try to keep that in mind when thinking about DDs feelings.  It just breaks my heart for her. 

I'm sorry for your depression.  It's eye-opening once you have someone close to you with allergies to see how much of our social life revolves around food. 

While I would never wish allergies on a child, I do wish every parent had a child with allergies - if that makes sense?  I just wish everyone could understand what we have to go through.

HazelBee22

I know that overall I am very lucky with my allergies (they're easily avoided and I would have to eat a substantial amount for a reaction to be life threatening).

That doesn't mean that I ever enjoy them or would wish them on ANYONE - especially a child. It can be so frustrating to have to focus on food first and fun second at every function, get together, restaurant, holiday, pot luck, etc.