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Finding therapist who understands celiac

mcceliac1

By mcceliac1
in Doctors

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mcceliac1 Newbie
mcceliac1
Posted

Hi guys! I am recently diagnosed with celiac (about 2 months) and one of the biggest challenges for me has been my mindset, navigating my anxiety, and trying to think positive. I’m currently living in Quebec, but will be back in the US at the end of summer and plan to find a therapist to get some guidance on managing my eating related anxiety.

Has anyone specifically sought a therapist who understands celiac disease? I ask this because I do not have anxiety issues in other aspects of my life, they are only prevalent when I need to eat somewhere new, order food, or when the negative thoughts get to my head. Mostly all eating related, which I am not sure would be easily understood by a therapist not knowledgeable in celiac disease. 

Also, I could be totally 100% wrong here, and maybe most therapists would totally understand the situation.

Let me know any tips or advice you have on finding the right therapist for your celiac anxieties please! 

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cyclinglady Grand Master
cyclinglady
Posted

Anxiety is common with many celiacs.  What other disease must be managed solely by the patient?  The gluten free diet has a very steep learning curve, but I can assure you with time, you will master the diet.  Soon you will find that your anxiety will diminish as well.  

When my antibodies are elevated from a glutening or stress (which impacts my other autoimmune disorders), I am a crazy lady — just ask my family!  But I return to normal when those antibodies diminish.  

Two months into the diet is such a short amount of time.  Most celiacs can take over a year to feel well because it takes time to heal and to really get the diet down.  Then often there are other intolerances  to consider like lactose which may or may not resolve with healing (depends on your genetic makeup).  Keeping a food and mood diary can help identify things that can make you feel miserable.  I confess, while I got back lactose, I still struggle with onions, peppers and garlic.  ?

This is the time to enhance healing.  Try to cut down on activities. Take it easy.  Ask for help.  Join a celiac group.  Keep active on this forum.  These are good coping mechanisms.  You may not need a therapist at all.   Try not eating out.  I am a healed celiac (confirmed by repeat endoscopy).  I rarely eat out.  The risk is too great.  At least do not until your anxiety diminishes and your antibodies are down.  Learn about follow-up testing:

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