"I want to stay at home"

For some children 'home' is their only safe place and anywhere outside this can feel dangerous. Recently, we heard from a mum who shared that her 9-year-old son started asking to stay at home rather than go to school, visit friends or family, in fact, anything that meant he had to leave his home. She told us, "After having an honest conversation with him, I realised it was anxiety that was stopping him, specifically around feeling unsafe because of his food allergies. He told me that he only feels safe when he's at home. I'm worried that he carries such heavy anxieties at such a young age." - Anon.

Every child's (and adult's) experiences of their allergies will be different but if the dangers of their condition become overwhelming to them, you may be faced with a child who has become fearful of the outside world.

When separation anxiety lasts for more than 4 weeks - without let up, it's worth considering if your child may have Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD). A child with SAD worry a lot about being apart from their family members or people they are close to. Children can learn anxiety and fear from people they are close to or a traumatic event can trigger it.

The symptoms of SAD may look like other health problems. If you're concerned, make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis. Not all stress and separation anxiety in children will be SADs. This young boy felt safe enough to communicate his fears and worries to his mum and we are confident they will figure out the best way to move forward so that he feels much less fearful and his food allergies no longer overwhelm him.

Is this something you worry about or have ever had to deal with?