Depression after child's diagnosis?

I am really sorry that you are going through this and I can honestly tell you that I understand and it will get better. When I found out that my son had a peanut allergy I became obsessed with it and I lost my mind (anxiety/ depression). I researched everything about the allergy to the point that I think I lost my mind for a while. I would stay up till 4 in the morning reading everything and anything that had to do with peanuts or an allergy. I wanted my son to live in a bubble b/c everything just seemed so dangerous. I cancelled vacations stopped going to parties cooked every meal at home from scratch.

But with time and experience it gets better. I now go on week long vacations attend every party we get invited too eat out in safe restaurants (not to say that I am not a control freak every step of the way and very over protective) but I try to live as normal as possible. He actually even started kindergarten last week and I survived!

To not deal with the disappointment you just went through in the mall always have safe snacks for him. I never leave my house with out his snack bag and there is not a single food that he has asked me for that I have not found an alternative food for that is allergy free.

Good luck and know that you are not alone!

I hear you as well. My son is also 2 and newly diagnosed. I read the peanut allergy answer book and researched on line and was overwhelmed by a lot of the info, but glad to have it. I've used all the refills available on our epipen script, just so i can stash them everywhere. His birthday isn't until Novemeber, but I'm already trying to figure out how to give him a cake just as cool as usual... Some days all seems to go well, others, you're right, you just feel sad and overwhelmed for yourself and your child. Today I went to M's preschool to sort through and read labels on the food they supply- I'm determined to keep his life as normal as possible! When I got there and saw the mountains of stuff to go through, not to mention the manufact. to call to inquire about their labeling process, I really just wanted to give up and send him a lunch everyday. But I will do the reasearch and try my best and that's all we can do. I pray everyday that one of the treatments discussed in the peanut allergy answer book comes to be a reality very soon!
Good luck- we're all in this together!

I so understand! My son was diagnosed just before he turned 2. I really was depressed for a little while. I remember a few days after his diagnosis I told a friend I was struggling and she said, "Still?" Yes, still, it took way more than a few days. That being said, things do get better. It takes a while (believe me I cried a lot) and it really helped me to talk to others who were successfully going on this journey.

My son is starting oral desensitization therapy on Tuesday. I am praying that it will be successful - not just for us but for all those who follow!

Hang in there! And after a while, it might help to take a break from reading too much... give yourself a breather when you need it.

My son was diagnosed at 18 mths and is 13 now. He just had an anaphylactic reaction yesterday. I am overwhelmed by anxiety at this point. He has had mild (hives and itching) reactions about once a year at school, but this was the worst one ever.

It takes time to adjust to this. There is no shame in using anti-depressants or seeing a therapist. I sometimes feel like I have mourned for my child for years, not because of the allergy, but rather preparing myself for his death. I know that seems extreme, but I am a nurse and my son has reacted with hives to someone blowing in his face after eating a peanut butter sandwich an hour prior. If he gets hives from saliva entering his mucous membranes, it is a pretty terrible allergy. I haven't been on anti-depressants for years, but I will jump right back on if I find that I am overly anxious again.

It is normal for you to feel this way. You have a lot on your plate. Post often, don't try to hide your feelings. We are here for you. Beth

Oh and after this last reaction to a "may contain" product that we have used successfully in the past, (my own stupidity), I am going back to baking. I used to bake everything since he was allergic to corn, soy, peanuts and peas, but I got away from it. He outgrew corn and soy so I felt complacent. Beth

I am 17 years old and was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at the age of 2. I promise you, it may seem scary now, but it's not a terrible thing.

I grew up with responsibility that's not technically fair for a child to have, but it made me the person I am today, and I wouldn't trade anything for it. After awhile, you learn what's typically safe and what's not. I hardly ever think about the fact that I have it anymore- yes I still check everything I eat, but it's just a habit now. I used to think it was an awful thing and feel sorry for myself. Now I realize that without it, I would be a completely different person, and honestly, I like who I am.

I'm not saying that it doesn't suck not being able to eat a certain chocolate bar, or some home- made item- because it does. What I'm saying is that there are much worse things in this world.