The physical impact of living with food allergies can be overwhelming, making it easy to overlook their psychological effects, such as depression. But understanding the connection between food allergies and depression and addressing mental health — whether for yourself or your child — can improve overall health and well-being.

Members of MyFoodAllergyTeam often talk about the effects of food allergies on their mental health. “Almost everything I eat causes a reaction. I’m getting very depressed,” said one member. “It seems like I discover something that I can tolerate and, over time, I find that I can't eat it. I don't know what to eat. People don’t understand, and neither do I.”

Another member wrote, “Do any of you ever find yourselves getting depressed? I never suffered from depression until I got diagnosed with food allergies. And I’ve noticed that when I’m not on my safe diet, it’s worse.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with chronic conditions are more likely to develop symptoms of depression than those who are not chronically ill. At the same time, people who experience depression also face a higher risk of developing certain chronic illnesses than those who are not depressed.

“Anyone dealing with chronic illness can really come up against challenges, particularly when there is no cure, or there’s uncertainty about the progression of the illness,” said Dr. Sarah Gray, a pain psychologist with Integrative Psychology in Arlington, Massachusetts, and an instructor of psychology at Harvard Medical School.

Treating Depression and Other Mental Health Issues May Improve Your Food Allergies

Some people with food allergies may avoid addressing their mental health, thinking it will distract from managing their allergies. In fact, the opposite is true. If you’re experiencing depressive symptoms, anxiety, or mood disorders, treatment may help. Using psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”), medication such as antidepressants, or both, may help improve the physical symptoms of a chronic illness or reduce the risk of future problems, according to the NIMH.

Your health care provider can refer you to a mental health professional — an expert in psychology or psychiatry. They can help you stay healthy both mentally and physically.

“I feel good after taking medicine for depression for 40 days. I saw my doctor today, and everything is going well. We shouldn’t be scared or shy to go seek help when we need it,” a member of MyFoodAllergyTeam wrote.

Along with depression, anxiety is also common in people with chronic conditions like food allergies. This is particularly true because of the uncertainties that come with a condition that can be unpredictable and that has no known cure.

Depression and anxiety can also cause other problems, such as sleep disturbances. Both insomnia and extreme oversleeping have been linked to a lower quality of life in people with chronic conditions.

Dr. Gray noted, “Unfortunately, there can still be a stigma around seeking help for mental health concerns. Thankfully, that’s changing and continues to improve.”

Understanding the Links Between Food Allergy and Depression

Living with food allergies can affect mental health and lead to anxiety, stress, and depression. This can be due to a number of factors, including:

• Worry over staying safe
• Social isolation due to avoiding accidental exposure to a food allergen
• Eating restrictions due to allergies, food sensitivities, or food intolerance
• Fear of a future allergic reaction or life-threatening anaphylaxis

“Today is a rough one. My depression is catching up to me again (I’m praying it is short-lived!) and as a result, I’m in an ‘I don’t care’ mindset. Trying not to make bad food choices that I’ll pay for later,” one MyFoodAllergyTeam member wrote.

Research has shown that adolescents with food allergies are at a higher risk for depression than those with no allergies. Emotional and behavioral problems are more common among adolescents with food allergies, and depression in these adolescents tends to continue into young adulthood.

In addition, parents of children with food allergies also report high levels of anxiety, worry, and depression. According to the Allergy & Asthma Network, mothers of children with food allergies in particular report high rates of mental health problems, including depression, which can also impact a child’s well-being.

In a 2024 study of self-reported symptoms among 1,680 people with food allergies and caregivers of people with food allergies, approximately 62 percent of participants reported mental health issues related to food allergies. The study indicated the need for more mental health screenings among people with food allergies.

Recognize Your Symptoms of Depression

Feelings of depression or anxiety may come on slowly over time. It’s important to recognize when you might need to seek a professional evaluation of your mental health.

Dr. Gray explained that mental health issues, like depression, can affect every part of your life. “Relationships and activities that one may enjoy may be impacted by the chronic illness and the symptoms,” she noted. Changes in these areas, she said “can really, validly, lead to feelings of loss and worry.”

Symptoms of depression, also known as major depressive disorder, may include:

• Sadness
• Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
• Guilt
• Loss of interest in things or people you typically enjoy
• Changes in sleep, nutrition, or energy levels
• Difficulty with concentration or cognition
• Agitated or slow movements
• Suicidal thoughts

Common symptoms of anxiety can include:

• Nervousness or agitation
• A sense of upcoming doom
• Heart palpitations, rapid breathing, or sweating
• Trouble sleeping
• Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
• Trouble focusing

If you’re experiencing these types of feelings, talk to your health care team or contact a mental health provider for help.

Managing Depression With Food Allergies

Depending on your mental health symptoms, medication may be recommended to help manage depression related to food allergies. However, you might also manage your depression or anxiety through lifestyle changes and therapies other than medication.

To recommend the best treatment plan, Dr. Gray helps people identify the stressors that may be troubling them. She often recommends tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy and biofeedback. These approaches can help you cope with the unknowns that come with living with a chronic disease.

Self-Care Is Important for Your Mental Well-Being

If you’re managing a mental health condition, it’s essential to stay on your food allergy treatment regimen. A 2020 study found that for older adults with multiple chronic conditions, maintenance behaviors — such as engaging in physical activity and sticking to treatment plans — were the most important forms of self-care for combatting depression.

It’s also important to have supportive people around you. In another 2020 study, people with chronic conditions reported family as one of the most important psychosocial resources. Positive relationships can enhance both physical and mental health, the study authors noted.

“In my experience with many patients at different stages, the types of stress they face evolves over time,” Dr. Gray said. “Often, people will find ways to cope along the way, to draw on their inner strength, and to connect to different forms of support, but their stressors change over time. And that requires ongoing support.”

A healthy lifestyle can help improve mental and physical well-being. Mindfulness techniques like meditation or breathing exercises may help some people manage mental health issues and control negative thoughts. Dr. Gray explained, “At its core, mindfulness is about approaching the present moment purposefully, with openness, curiosity, and an awareness of what’s around you.”

If you need help managing your or your child’s mental health, be sure to talk to your doctor. In some cases, it may be beneficial to coordinate care that addresses both the child’s mental health needs and food allergy care.

Find Your Team

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, share advice, and connect with others who understand life with food allergies.

Have you or your child experienced depression due to food allergies? How have you managed depression or other mental health issues? Share your experience in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.