I have had food allergies my whole life. At one point, I was allergic to 35 different foods. Since then, I have outgrown most of them but I’m still allergic to three. That might sound like a small number but anyone with allergies knows that even 1 can completely control your life.
For those who don’t know, a food allergy is when your body reacts to a food protein it perceives as harmful. As a response, it leads to various symptoms like hives, itchiness, swelling of the face or even anaphylaxis (which is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening).
Growing up, I was always reading food labels and being cautious of the food being served at the birthday party. I was the kid who always brought their own lunch to school. I’m the person who always makes the waiter sigh out of annoyance when I explain how my food cannot touch any other dish because of the risk of cross-contamination. It’s not a diet and I’m not faking it for attention. Believe me, I’m tired of it. I’m tired of always bringing my own food to the family party and I’m tired of feeling left out. The last time I tried to fit in, I bought a refresher from Dunkin’ Donuts (because that’s what’s popular with the other kids) and it ended up with me having an anaphylactic reaction (due to cross-contamination).
And honestly? Don’t even get me started on the bullying that comes along with them. Like the kids who purposely put Reese’s peanut butter cups inside my desk as a “joke”, or the teachers and principal not doing anything about it. But what really hurts the most is when the people who you thought were your best friends, turn their back and join in on the “teasing”.
The truth is, this kind of bullying isn’t rare. A study published in the Oxford Academic Journal of Pediatric Psychology found that many kids, (ages 9 – 15), with food allergies experience bullying because of them. Some said it happened once or twice, while others described ongoing teasing or even physical threats (with and without their allergen involved).
“Multiple youth disclosed being forced to eat something to which they are allergic, which directly put them at risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction.”
What struck me most was that parents often didn’t know it was happening. Which makes sense to me, so much of this happens quietly in classrooms or lunchrooms, where adults aren’t watching.
“Sixty-six percent reported a psychosocial impact of the FA-related bullying: youth reported that the emotional impact of FA-related bullying included embarrassment/humiliation, nervousness/anxiety, sadness/depression, loneliness, and feeling that they were not well-liked.”
Nevertheless, I believe that there is a way to make kids and teens feel more included. If there was more education about food allergies then there wouldn’t be as many issues. Living with food allergies isn’t just about avoiding certain foods, it’s about navigating a world that often doesn’t understand. It’s about constantly explaining yourself, feeling different, and sometimes being treated unfairly for something out of your control. With more awareness, empathy, and education, we can make life safer and kinder for everyone who lives with food allergies. This world is full of good people, if you don’t find one, be one.
Lily Estrada – DePaul College Prep – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: bit24 – Adobe Stock