Family that thinks “it’s all in your head.”

[SoBannaz]

Anyone else have family like this? I’ve been gluten free for a little over a decade now. I was diagnosed as a teenager through a gastroenterologist.  But I still get eye rolls and scoffs when I say I can’t eat certain things. I get compared to other family who have celiac they say “but so and so eats this and they have celiac.” Same with my nut allergies (which has been confirmed by an allergist)  my mother “had” nut allergies growing up and a plethora of other food allergies she tells me I need to eat what I’m allergic to and that it will go away. Even just interacting day to day. It is such a social thing to eat whether it be at work or at home. I feel like my coworkers think I’m being difficult when I don’t indulged.  I have people constantly trying to get me to eat things I know will make me sick. No matter how many times I explain it. Me doing what’s healthy for me seems to bother other people for some reason. 

[captaincrab55]

Bonnaz,  IMO it sounds like you have many foolish family members and friends!  There may well be a chance that your mom may have celiac disease.  Keep reminding yourself that Celiac Disease isn't an Allergy that may go away with further exposure!  You may need to consider finding new friends that also have celiac disease.  There are groups that get together in many areas.  They often meet at restaurants that serve Gluten Free Meals.  Good Luck.

 

[Scott Adams]

I totally get where you’re coming from! It can be so frustrating when people, especially family, don't fully understand or respect our food sensitivities. Sometimes, even after years of living gluten-free, the skepticism doesn’t seem to go away, and people think it’s “just a choice” or “not that serious.” With celiac disease and allergies, though, it’s not just a preference—it’s a medical need that can impact you for days if you’re exposed.

You’re definitely not alone in dealing with pressure to "just eat it" from people who might not grasp the consequences. Maybe it would help to reinforce that these dietary restrictions were confirmed by specialists—not just personal decisions—and that symptoms and sensitivities can vary widely from person to person, even within families. As for coworkers, it's understandable to feel like you're being judged, but setting boundaries consistently will hopefully show them that your health is non-negotiable.

Stick with what’s best for you, and know that there are many others who completely understand and have your back.

Celiac.com has published a book on our site by Jean Duane PhD called Gluten-Centric Culture, which covers many of the social aspects of having celiac disease:

This chapter in particular covers issues around eating with family and others - Gluten-Centric Culture: Chapter 5 - Grabbing A Bite Together:

 

 

[Pat Denman]

"Do not follow after the crowd to do what is bad." Bible. The world is full of crazy people who have little love for their neighbor. Eat what is best for you and ignore their recommendations. 

[nanny marley]

Oh yes same here I've been called a weirdo and health aniexty nut even at first my own daughter's were making fun of me but now they have seen the results there's too doing the gluten and lactose free has they both now older have realised they have problems too and threw me ranting on and changing it's helped them to stop suffering early so you keep doing what your doing a true friend will always understand you and help you I couldn't dream of making someone eat something they can't my granddaughter has a bit allergy imagine he saying it's just a nut build your immunity people can be so self centred wen it comes to compromise around food your not crazy your a human being with a different need hold your head up for all the ones in the same boat and you look after yourself regardless of wat anyone says or thinks  a good saying I like the rainbow has many different colours that's why it's so beautiful so shine your colour 🤗