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The link between allergies and anxiety

Fear. Uncertainty. Worry. Confusion. Isolation.

 

These are all words we hear regularly during calls to our helpline. The emotional impact of living with serious allergies can be significant, and for many people it is something they carry quietly and often without enough support.

 

Anxiety’s job as an emotion is to keep us safe, but when living with the risk of a serious allergic reaction, that anxiety can feel like a constant burden. When anxiety becomes “too good” at its job, it can stop you from enjoying life because it prioritises safety above all else. Sometimes, we need help to know what the “right” amount of anxiety is and how to manage unhelpful anxiety.

 

We have found that allergy-related anxiety may not go away completely, but having the right information and support can help to ease the strain and build confidence over time.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Anxiety Cycle

Cognitive behavioural Therapy Anxiety Cycle. Begins with Trigger to anxious thoughts to physical symptoms to behaviours to reduced quality of life to threat perception and back to to trigger.

Physical symptoms of allergy-related anxiety

You may experience one physical symptom more than another, everyone is different. Lots of people find that these physical sensations can be similar to the physical symptoms of an allergic reaction, which can make them even trickier to cope with.

Learning how anxiety presents in your own body can help you feel more informed and in control. By recognising your personal patterns and physical responses, you can better understand what is happening and develop more effective ways to manage these sensations. It is especially important to be aware of your individual symptoms so that anxiety-related reactions are not mistaken for symptoms of an allergic response.

Anxiety can also affect your thoughts, feelings and behaviour. You may find yourself avoiding eating out, asking for reassurance, or feeling unable to relax. For some people, these worries can become overwhelming and begin to affect day-to-day life.

When feeling anxious because of your allergy or something else, people typically experience the following physical symptoms:
  • right_arrow_orange_icon a racing heartbeat;
  • right_arrow_orange_icon feeling shaky or on edge;
  • right_arrow_orange_icon shortness of breath;
  • right_arrow_orange_icon dizziness or light-headedness;
  • right_arrow_orange_icon nausea or an unsettled stomach;
  • right_arrow_orange_icon sweating;
  • right_arrow_orange_icon a sense of panic.

Anxiety in children

Children with serious allergies may not always have the words to explain how they are feeling. Anxiety can show itself in their behaviour instead.

They may become clingy, upset around food, reluctant to try new situations, or worried about being away from parents or carers. Some children may complain of stomach aches, headaches or feeling unwell before social events, school trips or mealtimes.

Practical preparation, reassurance and age-appropriate information can all help children feel more secure. It can also be helpful to involve school or nursery staff so that children feel supported in more than one setting.

Anxiety in adults

Adults may experience allergy-related anxiety in many parts of everyday life, including shopping, travelling, eating out, working and socialising. The pressure of always needing to stay alert can become exhausting.

Some adults also find that their confidence drops after a serious reaction or a diagnosis, particularly if they are newly managing an allergy or caring for a child with allergies. Feeling worried, frustrated or isolated is common, and it is important to know that support is available.

Information and resources

We offer a range of resources to help people better understand and manage allergy-related anxiety.

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Podcast episodes

Our Hidden Battles podcast series explores the mental health challenges faced by parents, adults and children living with serious allergies. Episodes include discussions with experts on the importance of accessible psychological support and the effectiveness of CBT, mindfulness and other psychological approaches that may help manage allergy-related fears.
Listen to our podcast

Emotional impact posters

Download our range of posters to help address the hidden emotional impact of living with, or caring for someone with, serious allergies. These posters can be displayed around the house or in other frequently used areas. Even if you’ve refreshed your knowledge of the emergency steps, it can be helpful to have clear, visible prompts during a stressful event like anaphylaxis – for you or someone close by to follow.
Download posters

Support groups

You are not alone in your allergy journey. In 2026, Anaphylaxis UK launched online and in-person support groups to offer a safe and inclusive environment for everyone affected by serious allergies. These groups are free to access thanks to the support of our generous fundraisers. Please check this page and follow us on social media for updates on when a group is taking place and how to reserve your place.
Join a support group

Coping strategies

There are various coping strategies that may help to manage allergy-related anxiety. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, affirmation cards, practical planning and preparation.
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Helpline

If you would like further support or have any specific questions, you can contact our free helpline by email at info@anaphylaxis.org.uk or by phone on 01252 542029. Please note our helpline staff are not trained psychologists, but they can provide support and guidance on a wide range of topics including allergy related anxiety.
Contact our helpline

Books about allergies

We have a selection of useful books for children and adults about allergies and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis UK is part Amazon Associates Programme and we earn a small commission when you click on these affiliate links and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.
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