Celiac Mental Health
Chapter 3: Celiac Mental Health/Social-Emotional Development

Part 2: Feeling Alone

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IN THIS LESSON

Beyond social anxiety, sometimes with Celiac Disease, you might feel like the loneliest kid in the world.

Only about 1% of people on the globe have Celiac Disease. Even before I knew this statistic, I almost always noticed that I was the only kid in the classroom, or dance class, or at the party, who was gluten free- who was different from everyone else, who had to watch what she ate and learn how to be careful and cautious to an extreme level. In this article, let’s talk about some things I’ve learned (over the past 14 years), that you can do to feel less alone.

  1. Do some research with (or without) your parents. I’m lucky enough to live in the Bay Area, with close proximity to Stanford University and Healthcare, so when you search up Celiac in my area, you’ll encounter a slew of resources- whether it be focus or support groups, Zoom and in-person seminars, workshops/awareness talks, tasting/brand events, summer camps, and more. I’m sure that regardless of where you live, there is some sort of Celiac community, even if it’s small.

  2. Communicate with your community- friends, family, peers, teachers, coaches, the list goes on. Explain to them what Celiac is and what you need accommodated at events/practices/school/playdates/parties/etc. Having people understand your needs and be there for you during your transition or in tough times will be incredibly helpful.

  3. Find your Celiac community online! There are tons of Celiac content creators, who give advice, recommendations (for products, stores, restaurants, etc), on apps like Tik Tok, Instagram, and YouTube! Here are a few of my favorites:

    • Celiac Disease Foundation (they have some very active social media accounts!)

    • EatGlutenFreeWithMe - Lauren (Tik Tok, plenty of relatable/awareness materials as well as daily living with Celiac and recipes/recommendations)

    • CeliacSarahExplores - Sarah (Tik Tok, some amazing world travel restaurant recommendations!)

    • GlutenHatesMyGuts (Tik Tok, fun relatable Celiac skits)

    • PhilHatesGluten - Phil (Instagram, Tik Tok, fun and lighthearted/funny gluten free community and product rankings)

    • GlutenFreeRhi- Rhiannon (Tik Tok, fun, teen-centered gluten free life and brand/snack/restaurant recommendations)

    • TheLoopyWhisk - Katarina (Tik Tok + cookbook! The absolute best gluten free recipes)

    • CeliacWithKayla - Kayla (Tik Tok, more global travel advice/recommendations and special/chain restaurant spot(s) advice)

    • SweetLoren’s (Cookie brand, but tons of GF content!)

    • AmyLivesGlutenFree - Amy (Tik Tok, plenty of fun, lighthearted tips and recommendations)

    • Rachel Muse - Rachel (Tik Tok, Plenty of fun family content, but she has Celiac and vlogs to show her grocery shopping tips frequently!)

While the list of the things you can do to feel less alone with Celiac goes on and on, these are just some of the quick and easy things you could do that’ll definitely help you see the community and resources that are available for you! And as always, one of my favorite communities is right here- join my email list, follow my Tik Tok account, and feel free to contact me (via email or Tik Tok DM)- I am here for you and you are not alone! :)

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