#159 - Food Allergy Anxiety in Teens: Risk-Taking, Social Pressure, and How to Help

Kortney and Dr. Payel Gupta are joined by Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, a licensed clinical professional counselor and food-allergy parent. Together, they dig into what food allergy anxiety actually looks like in teenagers, why some teens take more risks as they get older, and what parents can do to support their teens without making things worse. What we cover in this episode is about food allergy anxiety in teens: What makes teenagers a high-risk group for food allergy reactions. Independence is increasing at the exact same time parental oversight is decreasing, and that combination creates real safety concerns. What food allergy risk-taking actually looks like. It is not always what parents expect, and some of it is just teens figuring out how to belong. Food allergy social anxiety is its own distinct experience. The fear of looking different, being a burden, or standing out can drive behavior just as much as the fear of a reaction. Why parental anxiety matters more than most parents realize. The way parents talk about food allergies often directly affects how teens handle them. How to build confidence and ownership in your teen. What to do when a teen is either too anxious or not anxious enough. *********** Made in partnership with The Allergy & Asthma Network. Thanks to Genentech and Kaléo for sponsoring today’s episode.  This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for any medical concerns.