WRITTEN BY: GRACE NOWLIN, LPC-ASSOCIATE, LMFT-ASSOCIATE SUPERVISED BY ANNIE VIERS, LPC-S AND LMFT-S May is Mental Health Awareness Month. You may have seen on social media posts and blogs all about it. But did you know that it is also Celiac Awareness Month? I’m a counselor living with celiac disease. This month provides a great opportunity to help educate my community about the hidden mental health challenges of living with celiac disease.
Understanding Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks itself; it identifies any gluten that is eaten (wheat, barley, rye, and malt) as foreign. This can lead to damage in the small intestine, as well as other major issues. Problems with digestive issues, anxiety, depression, and nutrient deficiencies, among many other recognized symptoms. There is not a cure, and the only way to address the symptoms is to maintain a strict gluten free diet. Making the transition to a gluten free diet can be overwhelming and isolating. Sticking to a gluten free diet can be helpful in managing many other conditions. But this blog addresses the impact for those with celiac, specifically.
When Food Becomes a Source of Stress
Many holidays, social events, and cultural traditions center around meals shared together. The transition to a gluten free diet can bring up loads of mixed feelings. Feelings of isolation and grief can set in and bring with it feeling left out or alone. One of the hidden parts of navigating celiac disease is understanding the risk of cross-contamination. Foods that do not have any gluten-containing ingredients, but were prepared with the same utensils that were used with gluten-containing ingredients, are not considered celiac-safe. Eating at restaurants that prepare gluten-containing foods in common areas, attending a potluck style family dinner, or even taking communion at church can be limited for those with celiac [or will require careful planning in advance]. Events meant to bring people together can isolate those who are not able to participate as much as they could before. This was one of the biggest areas of adjustment for me.
How Chronic Illness Can Affect Mental Health
During my own process, I was surprised how few resources there were for coping with life-changing diagnoses. Everything I read discussed the positive impacts the diagnosis and treatment could have on mental health. There could be elimination of brain fog, lowered anxiety and depression-which is great. But instead of relief, I felt grief and a sense of loss when thinking about how my life would change. I didn’t see anything that validated how I was feeling. If you are going through something similar, you are not alone!
Healthy Ways to Cope and Build Support
Connecting with community is helps boosting our mental health. The same is true for finding support in dealing with celiac disease or other chronic conditions. Talking about your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a loved one can help you feel less alone during the adjustment period after your diagnosis. A very simple, yet effective, coping skill that can be helpful is reframing your thoughts. This involves paying attention to any negative thoughts. Ask yourself if there is a different way you can view those thoughts or situations. Then replace the original thought with a new, more hopeful thought. An example from my own experience was thinking: “I can’t enjoy my favorite foods ever again” and replacing it with, “I can use my interest in baking to try new foods.”
How Counseling Can Help
Counseling can help provide a safe space for you to process big life changes and transitions- including extreme dietary changes like going gluten free. Counseling can also help you with difficult conversations. Things like talking with others about your dietary restrictions and staying safe while enjoying food with others.
Looking back, counseling sessions would have been so helpful for me to work through the complex feelings around going gluten free. Because I experienced that need, I am now working to fulfill that need for others. One of my counseling specialties is working with those who are experiencing similar dietary changes. I can walk with you through the grief, relief, and everything in between. At La Luz Counseling in San Antonio and Helotes, Texas, I would be happy to work with you as you work these changes, as well as continuing to find hope in tough times through Christian counseling. Click here to schedule a time to talk with me.
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