#123: Supporting the Mental Health of Allergy Parents

Parenting a child with food allergies can feel overwhelming and isolating. We're joined by licensed therapist and food allergy mom Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, to talk about her new book, May Contain Anxiety, and the often overlooked mental health challenges that food allergy parents face. We explore how chronic stress, fear, and anxiety can affect parenting, relationships, and family dynamics. Plus, why supporting the mental health of allergy parents is crucial for the entire family’s well-being. Tamara breaks down evidence-based tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help parents manage food allergy anxiety, build confidence, and feel less alone on this lifelong journey. What we cover in this episode about food allergy anxiety in parents: Tamara’s journey from substance abuse counselor to food allergy mental health advocate Why she wrote May Contain Anxiety and how it’s different from typical self-help books A breakdown of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it supports allergy parents The impact of food allergy anxiety on the whole family system, from parenting dynamics to sibling relationships Why this book is valuable for every stage of the allergy journey and helpful for allergists and extended family, too May Contain Anxiety is available worldwide in English on September 30th, 2025. Get 30% off by buying it at Hopkins Press and using the code: HMCA25