Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & Trauma
Welcome to "Don't Feed the Fear," where licensed psychologist Dr. Amanda Whitehouse offers expert guidance on managing the social and emotional challenges of food allergies and related conditions. Tune in for compassionate advice, practical strategies, and inspiring stories to help you navigate anxiety and trauma with confidence and resilience.
For more info on resources from Dr. Whitehouse, go to www.thefoodallergypsychologist.com
Theme song: The Doghouse by Kyle Dine, www.kyledine.com
Used with permission from the artist
Don't Feed the Fear: Food Allergy Anxiety & Trauma
Music as Medicine: Michael Sawers Discusses Food Allergies & OCD
Michael Sawers, a talented young musician who opens up about his experiences navigating life with food allergies and OCD. From his teenage years to college and now young adulthood, he shares the challenges and triumphs of managing his health while striving for independence.
Join us as we delve into:
- The impact of food allergies on his mental health and daily life.
- Strategies for transitioning to independent allergy management as a young adult.
- The healing role of music in coping with anxiety and OCD.
Resources mentioned:
- Food Allergy Canada: Food Allergy Canada - Food Allergy Canada
- Equal Eats Dining Cards: Food Allergy Cards | Translation Cards in 50 Languages – Equal Eats
- Michael’s Music: https://linktr.ee/themasprojectmusic & on Instagram @the.mas.project
- International OCD Foundation | Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Safe and Sound Protocol (Vagus Nerve Music Program): Safe & Sound Protocol — Amanda Whitehouse Phd
Special thanks to Kyle Dine for permission to use his song The Doghouse for the podcast theme
www.kyledine.com
You can find Dr. Whitehouse at thefoodallergypsychologist.com and on Instagram (@thefoodallergypsychologist) and Facebook (Dr. Amanda Whitehouse, Food Allergy Anxiety Psychologist)
Email: welcome@dramandawhitehouse.com
Welcome to the Don't Feed the Fear podcast, where we dive into the complex world of food allergy anxiety. I'm your host, Dr. Amanda Whitehouse, food allergy anxiety psychologist and food allergy mom. Whether you're dealing with allergies yourself or supporting someone who is, join us for an empathetic and informative journey toward food allergy calm and confidence..
Michael Sars is an amazing young adult and food allergy advocate who has been working with Food Allergy Canada to support youth with food allergies and helping to spread awareness. He's also a songwriter and a musician who records and performs under the name The Mass Project. Michael is here today to talk about his experiences with high school, the dreaded topic of dating and kissing, his journey with OCD and its connection to his food allergies, and adjusting to college and independent life as an adult. thAnk you so much for being here today., Would you start just by telling us a little bit about yourself?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Well, thank you for having me here on your show. my name is Mike and I am anaphylactic to dairy, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts. And I have been since, you know, the very beginning. some of my food allergy involvement revolves around like volunteering with Food Allergy Canada. working with youth to help them understand not really the, not really the like safety barriers but more of the social obstacles with having food allergies. I think I grew up a lot with a lot of trial and error. Through my food allergies, whether it was with dating or living at university alone or birthday parties. I'm sure I think you mentioned your kids have food allergies as well. It's difficult to sort of be the allergy kid or like advocate for yourself. So we really work a lot on like, Sharing your feelings, making sure you know that there's other people who are, it's not a weird thing to have food allergies. It's very normal. It's very serious, but it doesn't have to like define how you operate and we work with them and, and I do some other volunteer stuff like I've, been on CBC with Matt Galloway for a, for 10 seconds of fame on, you know, some new food allergy research and I'll be, on another Food Allergy Canada panel with a, with an allergist as well.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:So how did you get involved with them?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I'm 25, so I'm about three years roughly out of university. And, but I remember like I was watching this video and it was some sort of like political video of some kind on YouTube, but they said like, if you really want to like, You know, you're feeling stuck, go do something for your community. And like, I've heard this stuff over and over again. I'm like, yeah, yeah, yeah. Okay. But this, I forget who it was, but for whatever reason it struck me and I applied to be like a, it's called like a food allergy pal for food allergy Canada. My mom has been trying to get me to do this for a while. And so I finally applied and I loved it. Like, you know, it became a, I was more involved in with it a year ago and a few years leading up to it. But, You know, it really became a opportunity, like something that I look forward to. I was supposed to be there helping the kids with their social obstacles, but make them feel better. But I felt better talking about allergies as well.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:That's one of the things that people I talk to will share, and you can tell me if this is true for you, but I think we process our own stuff by having to think through it and express it to other people, and like maybe realizing I learned this or this is how I've grown.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:These kids would talk about, um, you know, maybe sometimes there'd be food allergy bullies, but sometimes it was lighter stuff. It was just like, I don't like having food allergies. I feel like the odd one out. And I. And I would be like, I totally get that. I feel like that too. And then I'd be like, wow, I actually feel better showing that I'm not supposed to be the, the mentor. So I think, you know, it makes the kids feel better. It makes the mentors feel better. I didn't have something like this growing up, to share with them. So, you know, it's, it was a lot of trial and error. With my friends with allergies talk about like how you're kind of it's so easy to become friends with other people with food allergies because you're like, Oh, you get it. You understand what has to happen to keep yourself safe. And you know how you're I mean, my girlfriend has so much work to make I make sure I'm safe by like, make sure she's being careful of allergies and stuff. So it really impacts the people around you. So, you know, it takes this sort of mental effort and and actual behavioral effort to it. Be safe. And when you meet someone like that, it's like, Whoa, this is you get it. And I think even when you meet people of any age, you're just, there's that connection. I think.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, and that level of trust that a little bit more
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Exactly.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:from the get go. I think we approach people generally expecting, we have to for our safety, expecting that they don't understand it and it's our job to, to keep ourselves safe, not that they know and can help
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:That can be a draining approach to always be on the advocacy side, and always be the educator, and always be, you know, there's a lot of, uh, problems in the world, but I think something that people with suffering food allergies know and recognize is that they always have to be their own best advocate for themselves, and that can be tiring and frustrating sometimes.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:It can. Is that part of, you know, you said there was some trial and error and mistakes along the way. Was it due to not advocating for yourself or what, looking back, have you learned about
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I think, I think as, Partially a mix of, yes, the advocacy piece. I think the lack of advocacy can sometimes get tough. I think you also start to like, learn that it takes a lot of effort to explain allergies. So you sort of, Learn to pick and choose of like, okay, like who am I going to give the spiel with, who can I trust? Who is somebody who's going to be like on my side? I'm like, is this person going to get it? If they're not, I'm not going to bother. I think like growing up, that trial and error came through like dating. Like I remember, um, one of my girlfriends, I, we kissed and then I was like, Oh no. Like she had. Uh, like dairy and she just drank a hot chocolate on anaphylactic to dairy. And that was really stressful, you know, using my EpiPen after that. And I think that was a mix of like understanding the difference between anxiety and anaphylaxis. Like, I don't, like, I remember calling, you know, 901 and they're, I don't think you're having anaphylaxis. So it's just like really understanding and trusting yourself and, you know, making sure you can recognize the signs and symptoms for yourself, not just from a conceptual level, I think was a big learning curve for me as well. Um, and then some of the other trial and errors, I think living alone at university was like, I lived in residence. I think that was really, that was a crash course in advocacy because every day I'd speak to the chef, you know, keep me safe, keep me safe, keep me safe. And, you know, even younger, just choosing and learning like, you know, what, What friends should I and can I trust with, with allergies and understanding it, which ones maybe I can't. And I think those are some of those trial and errors I think are like pretty universal to suffering with food allergies.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:I would love it if you don't mind and maybe we can start younger
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:through. But, you know, you mentioned in the beginning about your mom's always been telling you, you should sign up for this thing. But nobody wants to listen
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Ha
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:right? So all of us allergy moms know the
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:ha.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:And that's why I was so excited to have you on, because I want kids to
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Right.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:you. You're not the same. You're not a parent. You're, you're more of, you know, you're, you're a grownup, but you're more of a peer. You're not as far removed from it. And so I'd love for kids to be able to hear it from your perspective, starting with that friend thing, because I think that is the first barrier that the kids hit as they start to get older. Right. It's like not wanting to be different or having to ask people necessarily to accommodate them differently. So what do you tell the kids that you've worked with, or what would you tell yourself
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I think that is that one of the first barriers that you encounter. I think, you know, I would share with myself that like, At some point in your life, you're going to have to advocate for yourself, whether it's food allergies, whether it's for that next job, whether it's, you know, for, for, for anything in life and career relationships. And I think the thing that I notice a lot with younger kids with food allergies is they become independent. because they have to advocate for themselves. And I think, you know, there is, I like to think of it like there's a silver lining of learning to advocate for yourself. It's tough. Um, I'm doing it at an earlier age than most other kids have to do it. But that silver lining is like, you know, like, yes, it'd probably be easier without allergies, but you have allergies and learning that and doing and practicing that hard work to advocate yourself. It makes you more independent. And I think as you get older, you start to realize that like how much of a, positive and benefit that is. To, you know, just being out and about in the world., I speak with some of my peers who are in the Food Allergy Canada Mentorship Program, and we see that these kids are so independent so quickly because they have to be. And, you know, there are, you know, silver linings to having food allergies there. I don't think there's many personally, but that is definitely one that is a good one.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. are there others that come to mind?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I have a couple. One is that food allergies are a wonderful filter for who should be really close to you in your life. Um, I always like, you know, I think if you start to date and you realize like who's good with allergies and who aren't, and it's just like, I think my amazing partner is just so good with food allergies. She's wonderful. And it's just like, I remember telling my mom, I'm going to About starting to date this girl and one of her first questions was like, is she good with her urologies? And it's such an important part, right?
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:You're right, it's such a good gauge of how is this
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:me and how well are they going to
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:and, not that they have to put us first, but our safety, right,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:In all relationships and friendships and romantic relationships and work relationships like it varies to the extent but I think you Start to realize that like the strongest relationships are the ones where you're sort of sacrificing something for each other to make sure the other person benefits in some sort of way. And I think, you know, with friendships, I've had met such amazing friends that I'll go over to their house and they're making sure that the dishes are washed if we're going to be cooking dinner and their hands are washed and you know, the peanut butter is put away in the cupboards and just like the little things like that are, are very, um, they mean a lot because it's your safety and you know, what is, what is more important to you than your own health? It's, it's hard to beat that.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:right? what better way for someone to show that they care about you than treating that as important as it really is. So you mentioned then about your girlfriend now, but obviously it didn't go so smoothly when you first started dating. I think that's one of the hardest things and the one of the things that I want kids to hear more
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Absolutely.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:talking about those early years because they, that's the last thing they want their moms talking to them about is if you
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Exactly.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:So you had a reaction from, was it
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Um, no, it wasn't. And it wasn't my current girlfriend. It was actually a previous, um, previous partner, but, um, it is absolutely, it's a hard thing to talk about with your kids. It's a hard thing for kids to even listen about, uh, listen to and hear about. Um, I think the biggest thing that I learned and it's like, If I heard somebody, if I was younger and heard somebody telling you this, I would, you know, maybe have, maybe say it's easy to say and it's true, uh, harder to do, but it's just like, always ask, always be upfront about your food allergies and have that communication. It's a little bit awkward, and it's not really fair that you have to do that and advocate for yourself in these romantic settings. Um, but the reality is, is like, you'll save yourself a lot of pain down the line if you rip the band aid off and advocate strongly for yourself. And it doesn't, it doesn't have to be in a prescriptive manner, but in a way that feels genuine and right to you, but it's also keeping you safe. Um, that's probably what I would have told my younger self.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Well, and I think, again, it's hard for them, people to believe, you know, when they're young people hearing it from older people, but it's, I feel like it's always awkward, not just for kids and teenagers, but even as you get older, like first kisses are just so why not? Like you said, just rip off the bandaid and dive in a little sooner as far as how's this
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:treat me. It's already awkward anyway. It's not like it was going to be a movie scene, when you're 15 years old, kissing somebody for the first time. Anyways.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:that sort of perspective because it's like food allergies are not like, it's complicated enough as it is, you know, food allergies are just one sprinkle of the complexity of relationships.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Absolutely. One of the things that I would love for you to talk about, if you don't mind, because, I have had other kids who've had anaphylactic reactions from kissing and then actually navigating the rules of what works for them. do you mind sharing how you manage that? Like what's the, how does it work?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:um, you know, this is not meant to be prescriptive. It's just what works for me. Um, and, and I know you were asking that too. I just feel the need to share.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yes.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, exactly. Absolutely. Whether I like it or not, unfortunately, our shared responsibility to an extent in a relationship I think personally like you have to ultimately be responsible for your own allergies But like there is going to be stress and pressure I think on your partner to an extent to make sure you're keeping you safe Just like you know, if they had a peanut butter cookie, they probably can't kiss you right afterwards And things like that. So that that understanding is has been helpful for me because you know I, I feel like maybe a little bit guilty that I'm like, Oh, well, it's like my own issue. But, you know, I think if you just look at a lot of relationships, like it just comes back to like that just shared understanding of helping each other with their needs. So that understanding is alleviated some of my own stress, we consider each other like allergy safe or like we consider her allergy safe or not. So it's just like, Oh, like, are you allergy safe? If I want to like kiss her or, or, or like, or she has something on her hands and we're about to like cook food together. It's like, Oh, are you allergy safe? Yes or no. And that's sort of an easier tip to be like, what have you eaten today? Like, we're not like listing it out. And it's just like, Oh, like, do you think it's allergy safe? And if it is, we go with it. And if it's not, you know, maybe she'll, um, take action and things like that. She does. That's really sweet. It's like. You know, use brush your teeth and using mouthwash to make sure that like she's safe if I kiss her and washing your hands. Um, and it's something that I think takes time to get used to and like what your comfort zone is with that as well.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. Well, one of the things that, I mean, it's, she
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:It is.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:This is not a comment about her, but one of the things I've talked to a lot of teens about who are like, how can I ask them like that? And I, I kind of say to them, People should really brush their teeth after they eat anyway,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:It's
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:not,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:not,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:you're not
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:you're not asking that much. I remember I said the exact same thing to my dad. I said, how can I ask my girlfriend? I do that when I was like maybe 17 or 18. And he said, Michael, who doesn't want fresh breath?
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Just,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, exactly.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:yeah. so it sounds like she doesn't have any food
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:She doesn't. She has a brother with a peanut allergy. Um, so she's like sort of been in that world a little bit already. Um, but they're so sweet. Like her mom comes over or I'll come over and her mom will like, Make sure I have allergy friendly dinner and and it's just very they put a lot of effort into that and I think you know we were talking a bit about the positives of food allergies and I think one other thing too is like Being open and honest about my food allergies has helped other people take their allergies a little bit more seriously if if needed You know her her I think like her family friend or something was was also had some allergies and then saw me like advocating for myself and like he takes allergies just a little bit more seriously now because it's it's sort of that reminder when you meet Somebody who has had a bunch of anaphylactic reactions be like, oh That's it's sort of easy to forget that that can happen if it hasn't happened for a while so just It's important to be careful. So I think that's another positive. I like,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:that's great. And it sounds like, you know, back to kind of this being a gauge for the people that you let into your life. I think that's an important thing when you're in a relationship with someone like not just how do we get along, but how is the family? So it's a good measure of. Sounding like a great family surrounding her,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, absolutely.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:That's awesome. you know, you mentioned to you and to many kids and adults with food allergies, it feels unfair, but that almost feels like a trade off that it's not easier. It's not comfortable, but it's, it's worth it. It's worthwhile, it's really good to know, have this gauge of the quality of the people in your life
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I think being a, like, I think as also as you get older, as, as I've gotten older, at least like I've started to realize that everybody else, a lot of other, my friends deal with their own other personal health issues that we make accommodations for. And, you know, they can't eat a certain thing because of religious restrict dietary restrictions or because of, you know, Personal ethical choices or even just food aside, like maybe some of them aren't as like mobile and we have to like adapt what activities we do. And like, I think as you, as I got out of my like bubble of, you know, growing up in, I don't know, one neighborhood in Calgary, Alberta, it's like you started to meet so many other people that have these needs. And it's just like, okay, like they make accommodations for me. I make accommodations for them. The world goes round.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, well, and I was thinking when you were talking about that, um, you know, in terms of the relationship with your girlfriend, I always say that in terms of how we operate in the world and in our closer relationships, that that is actually what a healthy relationship is, is, is interdependency, codependency where I rely
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Right.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:you know, in this instance, keep my allergies safe, but we're interdependent on each other. It's an important skill to ask people for help and to let people help you. And a lot of people struggle with it. So that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, You know, this is the reason that maybe you have to ask, or people with food allergies have to ask, but everyone has to ask people to help them in order to have healthy relationships
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:It's true. And I think it's, a, it's a thing that I have to learn independent of my allergies to like ask for that when needed. And then I think, you know, having the allergies is, makes the process that does a little bit easier. I
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:thinking back to those teenage years before we move past that, what can we do better for kids who are, for teenagers who are still obviously depending
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:their lives? It's tricky and I feel like, like I said, you have that perspective,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I think what my parents did a really good job with me, making me advocate for myself in a controlled setting first and being the driver of the conversation. Like when, when I left home and I went to university and grew up a little bit more, like I had those skills and. They were refined and useful skills. So a good example is like when we went to dinner together, I would be the person driving conversation and talking to the manager about my food allergies and making sure it was safe. When we went to functions and weddings together, I was the person speaking to the catering manager and saying, I'm allergic to this. Can you help me? My parents were there if needed and need to be tapped in. But I think what some say something that I noticed in In younger kids, especially in my family, it was like my brother's food I would use as well, like when my parents would try to be that person and do that thing that the kid already knows what to do, it sort of created a bit of conflict and tension, but if they sort of like let the reins go a little bit and we're still there to make sure things were safe, because that's a parent's job when kids are young, then it sort of gave that kid the confidence and independence that they want, but also gave the parents like that, um, assurance that they could still make sure that things are safe for their kid. I think that was something that was really helpful.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:think that's important gradually doing it, I had a thought earlier when you said so many food allergy kids become
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:so young, and I think that's true. And then I think there is a subset of kids who are
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Right.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:and not necessarily that it's their fault or the parents fault. But that's what we don't want, right, is for you to try to head off to college, to university, and you haven't had that
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Exactly. And that's a tough position to be in. And, you know, food allergies don't have to hold you back. Um, in some cases, like they have to, but I think if you're somebody with anaphylactic fibrology, there's a lot of things you can do, making sure you're smart, you're always carrying your EpiPen with you no matter what, you have a second one if you're eating out of food and, you know, all the things that your listeners already know all about, it can be sort of Empowering to be like, Oh, I can do, I can go out to dinner and I can see safe and I can be with my friends out and about and I can, I can do this and you know, I really feel for the people who are, who physically or medically cannot, but for those who can and feel like they don't have the confidence to do that, I think it's a really important thing to do.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:I agree. And I think it's reassuring for people to hear and know that some, you know, you have quite a few allergies and, um, to hear that people do that safely and feel good
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Absolutely.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Is a good
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, it is doable. I am severely anaphylactic to dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts. And I, I think I'm on the side of the spectrum of like more adventurous with my allergies than some people might be comfortable with, but I, I go out and try lots of new restaurants all the time. I'm living downtown Toronto and it, it's a fun, it's fun to do that with your girlfriend
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:good. Well, back us up then, if you would, to how did that transit, cause you're there now, but transition then from high school into college or to university. how did it go?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Overall, it went very, very well. Definitely had a couple of bumps. I think, so for context, I stayed at one of the residences there. So completely away from home, like living in my own little tiny shack in the apartment building. And, uh, it was really fun and I got to have like the full residence experience despite my food allergies. I think a few things that kept me safe and a couple of reasonings for the bumps, one thing that kept me safe was like scoping at the university beforehand and like using that as a criteria for whether using their food safety precautions as a criteria for whether I go to that university or not, because I really wanted that residence experience. So what we did is like, we, we visit the university and we spoke with the catering heads of. Uh, management or whoever they might be and made sure that like, are you comfortable with this? Like the same thing you do it at a restaurant. Like, have you dealt with food allergies before? Are you comfortable? And the list goes on. And once we found one that I was comfortable with, We stuck with it and created a process and for me, that process was like keeping it simple. Number one of just like my, my foods that I ate every day. The second one was every single day, always making sure I spoke with like one of the decision makers who, um, have that only because they have that capacity to worry about your food allergies. Doing other tasks and, um, always, no matter what, bring them in, no matter what, everywhere. A couple of bumps, I had two allergic reactions that year and a couple of the bumps came from things that were, like, pretty much out of my control. One was Um, one was that the ingredients was mislabeled on one of the, from the manufacturer or something and, and like it got switched around and then I, I hadn't much reaction. There was actually milk in the breakfast sausage, even though the label said there wasn't, there was some sort of mix up there. the second one. Was that kiss with the ex girlfriend that I think I had an allergy thing and I don't like it wasn't her fault It was you know, it was it was all all my stress. I think is like the paramedic said I was fine And that was that that stress was so big I remember having my first allergic reaction at university and I needed to speak with a psychologist that there I've been in therapy before but like This one was like, I really need someone to talk to, like, I'm scared to even eat anything, and, and, um, it got so much better after I just realized, like, you know, the, the learnings that I had, like, I used my EpiPen by myself for the first time, I kept myself safe, I did everything I need to do, like, you go into game mode and keep yourself safe, and so. You know, but what I was so happy to hear is I went back. If I was, I got very close with all the kitchen staff there. They all knew my name. They're all so sweet and friendly. And I came back the next year and, you know, that was the first year, um, in 2017 that they had like a very, very serious allergy on their hands with me. I came back the next year and they had zero anaphylactic food allergies, despite having multiple people in the residence building with anaphylactic food allergies. Um, and I think food safety at universities has only gone up. Food allergy Canada is very big on food safety. I know McMaster, a friend of McMaster with severe food allergies made it with no allergies like they are particularly good. And I think the safety and awareness is only evolving. I think if I'm a parent wondering whether I send my kid with food allergies, obviously it is a personal family and medical decision, but I It was one of the best years of my life being at residence, and ultimately I knew going into it, there was some element of risk. I had my EpiPens with me, I knew what to do, I used it, and I had just as fun at residence as all of the other people, despite my food allergies.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Good. I'm glad you had such a
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Thanks.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:and it, for people to know that it's possible is so
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Exactly.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:you know, it's a big shift.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Like, Oh my God, I'm gonna have to, it's going to be like going out to dinner every single day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Like, Oh my God, how am I going to do this? But then I got systems. I was like, okay, in the morning, like we're doing like some simpler foods, like oatmeal stuff. I don't really need to triple, double check. It's packaged. It's fine. I had a mini fridge in my room for some leftovers. So I didn't have to always be talking with the kitchen. Buying some of my own food so I can make them. I don't know if you're allowed toasters and res. I don't know if I had one or not. Whatever it was. And, you know, making sure I can make my own little snacks if I had to. And then for dinners, you know, making sure like they were so sweet. They always let me cut the line. Like these universities are really moving mountains for you because they know how much you're paying to attend school and residents. And they know that like food allergies are becoming so much more commonplace that I was a priority in that kitchen, which always felt like a very good thing.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:That's amazing. And I have heard, um, you know, young adults who are making that transition get, they get a good talk from the people when they interview and then they show up and they don't feel that they're treated that way. And I think that is important that you noted that, that you felt they were treating you that way,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I haven't spoken with a lot of, um, you know, like you said, youth that have had that experience and that's sad that that happens. And I think that made me feel lucky that they had such a strong and good, like, despite that one mix up such a good, strong food safety program. And I, I remember literally becoming friends with a couple of them. It was weird being like friends with a 40 year old or 45 year old and you're, you're 18. Um, but they were so nice and, you know, they treated me like, Very, very seriously and very safely, but still very, um, welcoming, welcoming way as well.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:You mentioned about kind of having to get to that mindset after some of those reactions and get some support, which is awesome. I encourage everyone to do that. Um, especially if you've had an anaphylactic reaction, it's a traumatic experience, even if you're okay. that support is awesome. And you mentioned then having to. Shift that mindset to like I have to balance this there's there's always that risk But I can't you know, can't hide away and and not ever have any risk So I was wondering if you could talk about that carrying that forward into now
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I actually feel like when people ask me this, I don't Um, and I will share absolutely my thoughts, but I don't know what to say because I always worry that like my risk tolerance is going to get other people in like trouble with their allergies. Um, so like this, this is what works for me. I don't think it's a perfect system, but like, I, I feel good about it. So hopefully inspires people to like, make sure that their systems work for them. But I always say, cause some people are allergic to like some very, very serious. Long list like I never know what works for everyone, but for me Yeah, but for me, the risk, I definitely take on risk by going out to restaurants, and by I think treating my allergies in a way hopefully that's not holding me back, such as I'm planning a trip to Europe right now, and you know, traveling with food allergies is a new, internationally is a brand new thing for me, and I think that takes on an element of risk, and my mom's nervous about me going to Italy, and I don't want it to hold me back. I really don't. And I feel fortunate to be in a position where my allergies don't hold me back. Cause I think like we were talking about, some people don't have that luxury. Um, and for me, I think I balance it mentally. I'm like, okay. My goal is to live a life as much as I can without my allergies holding me back. I know I always need my backup plan, which is my EpiPen. So it's like I don't do anything, I will not take on any risk whatsoever or try my absolute hardest not to if I don't have my EpiPens with me. Like I, if I'm going to the gym, if I'm going for a run later at night and not even eating food, like I always try to tell myself, bring my EpiPen no matter what. It's just like a part of my body at this point. And I really feel like that is a really good baseline for me to practice. Um, and feel comfortable taking on some risk because I know I have a backup plan, um,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:right?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:and, and, and then doing that, I, I, you know, I use a mixture of like logic and gut feeling when I'm out to just tell if I should take on that risk, like, When I speak with people, like, immediately and within the first, like, five seconds, just based on their body language, I can tell, and what they say, and the tone of voice, I can tell, like, if they're confident about accommodating food allergies, if they've had experience doing it before, and if they have a process in place to keep me safe. And, like, right away, I'm like, I will actively be like, I can't eat here. And it doesn't mean I leave with the whole table. It's just like, if I'm with my friends, like, I Part of that risk is like, maybe it doesn't work out for me, and I'll have a drink instead of eating there. Just, you know, running through my mental list, which involves that sort of body language analysis and that actual practical analysis, if they have that process and procedures in place to deal with food allergies. I think I use that as a rough Understanding of if that risk is something that's probably unlikely to happen. And if it is, I will feel comfortable sort of like taking that on. Because I think the thing with food allergy is like the risk is always severe. It just depends on the likelihood of that risk happening. Um, well for food, for anaphylaxis at least. I always just ask myself of like, are the pros outweighing the cons? Like, is this worth the risk that I'm taking on? Is this meal with my, should I just skip the meal if I don't feel sure about it? The answer is probably yes. But if I feel good about it, like, let's go for it. I have my, my EpiPens just in case. And this has been working for me. Um, I don't know if it'll work for everyone, but like, I haven't, I mean, knock on wood, I haven't used my EpiPen for, for quite some time now, quite a few years, and I'm really enjoying it. I'm excited for my trip to Italy. I'm going to download, you interviewed Kyle, and he has like the Equal Eats travel cards. So I'm gonna go purchase a couple cards that have translated all of my food allergies in perfect Italian, um, and really try it. That's my new allergy challenge is to go to Italy with severe food allergies.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, you can do it. I'll put the link to cut to the equal eats cards. Um, that Kyle Dine has created in the show notes I was hoping you could talk more about your music because, I listened to some of your music and I have to tell you, so your song, Scared Fearless, maybe I'm projecting onto it, but I was thinking about allergies and, you know, what we had chatted about when I listened to that. how does your experience with this go into the music that you write
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I really appreciate that question. I thank you. I'm glad you listened to my song. That's, that's one of like a small amount of people who've listened to my music.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:I listen to many of your songs and they're great. We're going to make sure people know
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Thank you. I appreciate that a lot. Yeah. So I have my artist named the mass project that I'm trying to like make my music and record it and get it out there. Um, and I think one thing I've learned about like my songwriting is I've always, yeah, like, like you said, like writing from a very personal space and. Foodology is definitely, and that song, Scared Feelers, has kind of popped up. I, I, I've struggled very much and it's, you know, I found very specific therapy. It's gotten a lot better, but with OCD, like I've clinically, you know, real OCD, not just like, oh, like I'm so OCD about this, but like, you know, real OCD.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:right.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, exactly. Like obsessive thoughts characterized by compulsions meant meant to get rid of the anxiety created by those obsessive thoughts and feelings of urges in the first place and scared fearless is a song about OCD. And I I've done I'm just like, you know, having that habitual part of the therapy for OCD is to sort of habituate yourself to the false alarms going on. And I kind of had this It's like a play on words of like, getting scared, um, like to scared, like helpless, like scared that you're so numb, like learned helplessness almost, but you're so scared that you actually become fearless about it, and that's kind of like what that experience was with OCD, but I think the way this all loops back to some food allergies is I've always wondered like where some of my OCD comes from, and I don't know if And I'm not up to date on any of the research about OCD, like I know there is a big genetic component as well to it, but I've always wondered, like, my food allergies has made me extremely vigilant and sometimes overly so, and I do wonder if that has negatively contributed to that, maybe some of those obsessive tendencies I've had genetically, because I think, like, when I look back on my life, like, food allergies has been So, yeah. The food allergy worry is such a such a big part of my mental space every day, you know, every time you eat something for anybody to put something, put a piece of food in their mouth and be like, is this safe? It's it can be draining. Um, and it can make you very extra vigilant. So I, you know, I don't think it's helpful from a medical perspective to punch it to theorize about where what drove the OCD. But I think, you know, it's in, yeah. Interesting emotionally at least they'd be like, I wonder if my food allergies kind of contributed to that and because I can definitely see it happening.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. And I think I get what you're saying. It doesn't solve
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:problem, the medical problem, but I think in terms of your
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:yeah,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:and many people with whatever we struggle with, there's a lot of guilt and self blame and you know, sometimes some shame. And I think it can be helpful to explore that. And there is a lot of research that OCD and a lot of other. Um, anxiety, you know, category of disorders are higher in
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:very interesting.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Um, so, and it makes sense, um, biologically, because the, the Vegas nerve is the nerve that turns
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Okay.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:right? That puts us into fight or flight. It's also the nerve that modulates the immune
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Mm hmm.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:So if it is hypersensitized, if it has had traumatic experiences and knowing that it needs to be more vigilant for danger, that doesn't just make the allergy response, it also connects to the anxiety response in the
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:That is so interesting. I need to look more into that because that's very cool.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:share some things with you. Um, and I, I put some links in too for people who are listening, but I think it's validating to know that like it's, and some people that I've worked with who, who manage that, um, kind of feel like, okay, I didn't just draw the short straw on the allergies. I got OCD too. And I have all of these things and they're not five different things. They certainly are in terms of how you have to manage them, but they're, they're kind of one giant jumbled up ball of, you know,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:card
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:that is so interesting it and And another thing related to that is, like, I was at a food allergy, like, conference here in Toronto, um, and I met a, I met a therapist who specializes in food allergies, I think you're the second, uh, psychologist that I've met that, And she, you know, this person at the conference specialized in like food allergies just like you. And she was telling me she sometimes uses exposure response prevention therapy to help. Younger people with their food allergies stress, which was so interesting because I use exposure response prevention therapy for my OCD. So I always thought there was maybe some sort of connection there.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Absolutely. And that's with the
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:work with, um, with OCD, the other part of what I was going to kind of touch on with what you were mentioning about it is there's that, there's that biological component, but then if you think about what you have to do to manage and
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yes,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:safe from your food allergies, It does look similar to a ritualistic, like kind of a compulsive behavior. Well, I have to, I have to check
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:exactly.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:I check the label at the store. I check the label when I get home, you know, so it, then we learned to associate that with safety. So then of course, when you feel anxious, you want to do something similar. And of course everyone's, actions are different. They don't always look like that, but you know what I'm saying? It, you can see the connection between how repeating a behavior becomes a sense of safety
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:for sure. And even when like, I'm at the store reading ingredients, there have definitely been times where I'm like, I think I just need to stop reading this ingredient list at this point. Like, and that even like OCD aside, it can just be like that constant vigilance is, I think it just goes back to just being so tiring and being like, I just want to eat this chocolate bar. And if it's safe, it's safe. And if it's not, but it's just like, what are the hidden words that egg might be under or like. Way, I need to look for way, if it's not milk, and like, are, are, are, may contain, is it really contain it or not, like, how am I supposed to know, and it's tiring.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Right. Right. And you can't turn that, that kind of monitoring part off of your brain. You know, it's like you said, it's kind of always running. I think of it like, like computer programs, how much of my memory, how much of my storage spaces is
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I love that.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:any given
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, it's a lot of your ram, for sure.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. Yeah. Thank you for sharing that because I think, you know, it's, it's hard to talk about
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:stuff, but I think it'll probably be helpful for people listening. Do you have anything to add about what's helped you in managing the OCD?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I appreciate you saying that. I think, well, one thing that has been helpful has also been like having loose structure to my day. Like, I think working out is very important to me. Um, I think my physical activity has gone up and down over the years, like for starting a new job or going away to school and never getting set, whether I'm feeling settled or not after a big life change. Um, but I think like that. That, um, really intense workouts is something that's helpful. I just laugh because like a few of my friends at work, they're like, Oh, do you drink coffee? Like, there's always coffee all the time at work. And I was like, no, I actually don't. They're like, that's interesting. Cause you give me the energy of someone who drinks a ton of coffee and I think it's just like, that's so good for me to like work that out and have that huge outlet. Um, another really good outlet has been. My music, I like my songwriting. I think it's just been so, so, so helpful to have that creative outlet. I think a lot of us are creative and, you know, I think I'm working business and technology right now. Like there's only so much creativity you can do in a commercial setting, but when you're just like being artistic for yourself, it's such a good feeling. And my mom always, my mom's a therapist as well. She calls it like the feel good actions and, you know, having
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Mm
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:that,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:hmm.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:you know, outlet is just so important. Um, so. Far and away, ERP has been the best thing for OCD, but I think it's also benefited from, you know, a good workout schedule and, and also, I mean, I'm not a, I'm not the epitome of fitness at all, but you know, that workouts has been really Helpful and my, my, my songwriting for sure and just writing for myself and how I'm feeling and for nobody else is something that I really love.
Before we move on from your music, will you tell people where they can find it?
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:You can find me at, on Instagram, the. mas. project. It's the mass project. You can also just search it on Spotify or like any streaming platforms. Um, yeah, scared fearless, I think is a, as a, is a good one to listen to that's on theme for, for our talk today.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Absolutely. I, it hit me right away when I was checking out your music because, like I said, I might be projecting here, but this is what my brain pulls up when I'm
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:But yeah, thank you. And I just, I just also like, um, I think if you listen, I try to in my music at least, like, hide, hide very obvious things about myself in like different metaphors, like being scared fearless of just like, Oh, I'm going through like OCD therapy. I just really like kind of putting a little bit of a sugar coat on it and putting it in a metaphor. Because I think when you're listening to music, I don't think Anyone wants to hear you sing out that you have OCD or something. If that's what you want to do, for sure do it. But like, that's not what I wanted to sing. But I, I wanted, it was, I sort of wanted everyone to know that that was what's happening to me in like a fun way. Um, maybe not fun, but like in a metaphorical way. Because, I mean, I think if you, Not to be like that artist who pontificates about his own lyrics. Cause that's so lame, but are so not cool. But the, um, uh, like the verse of like, I went and made a trade cash for therapy. And then you kind of connect the dots of like getting scared, fearless, and then like things not going well. Like I tried to really be like, it's not going well over here at that moment in my moment in time. And it felt really good to share it and publish it and get a, uh, You know, a blog spot of like, Michael, the artist, tackles OCD in his latest song to do whatever to just be like, it's okay. And I, and I found that the more I shared about OCD and it didn't hide it, a few of my friends were like, Oh, like Michael, like, are you okay talking about that? Like, I think I might be struggling with that. Like, can you maybe share some stuff? I'm like, that is such a good feeling to be like. I shared and other people felt like they could be like, Oh, like I maybe need some help as well, which was, it's just such a good feeling. I think not why I did it, but it was nice.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Right. But, and music is such a good way to do that. Not that it wouldn't have been helpful, but it would have had a different effect if you had sat down with one of your friends and said, Hey, I'm in
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:struggling with this. And they might've supported you, but they might have or responded differently than to your
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. Thank you. I think so too.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. Keep it up. I mean, I think I can pontificate cause it's not my music, but I told you I'm a huge music person. And I always think of music,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:So, you know, you might, you write that song and it's not the, Oh, what was me? I'm dealing with this hard thing. You rise above it and you might not stay there, but someone else can listen to it and rise above as well out of that experience for a moment into kind of that higher place. And maybe we come back down out of it, but it's, at least it's available. It's there to go to when you need to shift the
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. It's, it's a good, um, I like music. It's like a good distraction sometimes for me.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:It's good for so many things Distractions mood changes. It's good for the nervous system. I'm a big
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:It is. I was Have you are, do you are knowledgeable about like music therapy? I was always Curious about how, like what music therapy is going on in today's day and age.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:I'm huge on this
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:piece and that link between allergies and anxiety and I offer a music listening program, not a
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:where you come and we sing a song but I have this program that accesses the
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Is it ILS?
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:that nerve that I was talking about through the ears. yes, it's called the Safe and
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Oh, cool. Yeah. Well, my mom's an occupational therapist and she uses ILS for all of her, her clients. Is it Isla? Is that what it's called? Okay,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:is the company. they're the integrated listening systems and then the music, the SSP safe and sound protocol is the filtered music. that's immune nervous system regulating.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I'm gonna, I'm gonna research that, but that is very, very interesting. I really appreciate that.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, yeah, it's so funny. If I were your mom, I'd be like, you have to listen to this. Listen again, like my, all my poor kids have been listening,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:so funny.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:You were talking about that
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:when you, when you kind of assess when
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:public and the way someone responds to you. Some of it's logical. Some of it's
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:know, and I was just going to say that seems like another huge silver lining in terms of getting in touch with that. Just that, you know, instinct that we all have to protect us that I don't think a lot of people learn to to tune in and get in touch
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. I mean, I had a family friend who was like a, who was a therapist for like, um, very high performer, like athletes and ballet dancers and usually like performers. And he, It was always really big on like, um, trusting your instincts. So I think I like, and I, and we knew him since a younger age. So I think like I got a little bit of that education from, from him and just being like, it's, it's okay to trust your instinct when you have trained it. And it's, it knows, like there's things that, you know, your brain knows before. You're even recognize them. And, um, I think that's something with my food allergies is like, I don't even have to like say anything after somebody, a server will come by or a manager will, well, um, you know, do that their allergies spiel or lack thereof for me to know, like, okay, it's safe. And, you know, there's just something that. Comes by with like, there's the just the right level of confidence there, but still caution. There's just the right level of like seriousness, but not worry. They've shared just enough information about their food allergy protocols, but they haven't like gone so in depth that it makes you visualize and wonder if it's safe enough. And they, they sort of recognize how much information they should be sharing because they recognize that allergy brains are doing this. And they, you know, and, and. It's, um, there's just something that immediately you're like, oh, I can, this, I can be here. Or like, nope, wrong place to eat. We're not going here.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Well, and I think it's, it's amazing that you had that someone, anyone in your
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:to you about that when you were younger growing up. Cause I don't think a lot of
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:that. Um, but what I find with many of the people that I work with is that they confuse their anxiety for their
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Uh,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:they can't differentiate
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:that's so interesting you said that, cause I think that's what happened to me when I was at university and like, I thought I was having anaphylaxis, but it was, it It was so late at night and I was so tired and I was just like, is this anaphylaxis? And then you're like, you start to get a bit sweaty and then the sweat touches your clothes and then your clothes get itchy. I'm like, is this hives? Or is this like, was this just normal anxiety? And then maybe some people suffer with panic and panic and be like, Oh, is that like an anaphylactic? Like, you know, the big three symptoms is that might be an airway issue. Like these are, these are very complicated things to deal with in the moment. Okay. And that confusion is sort of like, I really empathize with that because I've definitely felt that with my own allergies,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:And going back to the body, that it's exactly what you described. I mean, the anxiety can cause all the real same physical symptoms that an anxiety, that an allergic reaction produces because it's the same system in the body triggering it. So it's really hard. And I hope, you know, you're not the only one who has had that experience and it's, it doesn't hurt to call right. And have someone talk you through it. Who's not in panic
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:right?
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:are, but that happens
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I didn't know it happens often to other people and I it's something that i've definitely Had to like I don't know if it's like a skill to hone or just like something to be aware of to be like When I sort of sense that anxiety like that sort of like uh oh moment. I'm just like, okay like Let's just hold up for a sec and just like walk through the process in my head of like same risk analysis process. I sound like a crazy risk analysis person, but I think like that, that is something that's important to me. And like, I think, I think I've gotten really, I think it's, I've gotten very good at. Uh, risk assessment for food allergies, and I think everybody with allergies has, has that sort of spidey sense, you know, of like, Oh, I don't think I should do this. And even if you can't quite put your finger on it.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yes, and trusting that is, I think, so important, instead of questioning ourselves or being down on ourselves. It takes practice.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Mm hmm.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:it, but it's
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah, absolutely.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:are there other things that we didn't get to that you wanted to talk about
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I think we could talk for a very long time. I really enjoy chatting with you. I think, you know, I really just feel for everybody with allergies out there. I think it's really great that you're doing this podcast and spreading food allergy awareness. And I think that's really fantastic. I meant to ask you, don't feed the fear. I was curious about like the theme and more about learning about the podcast and that vision.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah. Thanks for asking. I think that's kind of a line, one of the line, I've, you know, a few lines that I say a lot with the clients that I work with and with my son, with his allergies. And we talk about, we kind of, um, externalize the fear and with kids I'll have them, you know, visualize it. What does it sound like when it starts talking to you inside of your head as and with kids, I'll have them picture it like, as this monster that's, that's.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Right.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:time. So we're not going to feed it. We're not going to nurture it. We're not going to help it grow stronger. We're, we're going to feed ourselves. We're going to grow our own, you know, strength and health and wellness. We're not going to put our energy and our resources into things that we know just don't work.
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Right.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:stronger, so I would always say don't feed
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:love that.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Um, so that's kind of just the little line that, that stuck when I was trying to think of
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I really like that. And I think that applies to all anxieties and not just food allergy stress. I think I have, I have become very familiar with anxiety and anxiety management because of food allergies and my OCD and, and all these things. And I think that definitely applies to that. One other thing I wanted to mention was that, I mentioned that I'm in the Foodology like Pals program at Foodology Canada. But my, I always like to tell my mom, like my first foodology pal was my mom and my dad before I spoke to everyone else. And I think it's really great what you're doing for your son and for all of your other clients. And I really respect that.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:Oh, thank you. That means a lot to hear, and I hope, I hope it's helpful. It is kind of a selfish thing. Like, I want my son to be able to hear
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Right.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:like you, you know, who, who has a different perspective and different experiences. So, you know. Everyone else can benefit from it as well. And, you know, you probably wouldn't have talked to me if I, maybe you would, you seem really nice, but if I was like, Hey, I need someone to talk to my son. Um, but so, you know, it's, I think of him and I think of, I just want to scoop up all the other kids out there who
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah.
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:this and adults who are struggling and do something to help because along the way of, you know. Picked up some things and talked to a lot of people who have stuff to share. So it's, it's good to have a platform and thank you for being so generous. I love how everyone I reach out to is like,
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:Yeah,
amanda_2_08-14-2024_171006:It's amazing. Cause everybody wants
michael_1_08-14-2024_171006:I think so. And it is really wonderful what you're doing. And I, and I think I'm really happy to hear that people are saying like yes to helping out and being on the podcast. But I think it's just something that cuts so deep of just like people have had their own food allergy stresses and worries and it's just like if I can Do one little thing to help someone else. That's probably a good thing And it makes them feel better. It makes me feel better sharing with you today as well I think I definitely get a lot of out of the conversation too. So, thank you.
Thanks again so much, Michael, for sharing so openly with us. I think that's a really helpful conversation for a lot of young people and their parents to hear. And as always, here are three action steps you can take away from today's conversation. Number one, check out his music. You can find him on Instagram at the. mass. project. Mass is spelled M A S. There's also a link in the show notes to find his music and give it a listen. Number two, if you're struggling with symptoms of OCD, you can find a link in the show notes to learn more about exposure and response prevention, or ERP, as Michael mentioned. And if you think you need more support around this, there's a search option on that website for the International OCD Foundation to find a provider near you. And number three, if you're curious about the treatment that I mentioned that I use with my clients to stimulate the vagus nerve for improved nervous system regulation, you can check out my website via the link in the show notes or at thefoodallergypsychologist. com under biofeedback in the menu and then the safe and sound protocol. And before I wrap up this episode, I just want to thank everybody who found me this year and has been listening and following along. It's been quite an adventure and a learning curve for me, but it means so much to see how many of you are out there listening and I hope getting some good information and some support from the podcast. I'm going to take a little bit of a longer break here over the holidays and into January before I start the winter season of Don't Feed the Fear. And in the meantime, I would love to hear from you. So I haven't decided yet what the theme will be for our winter season of the podcast. If you have suggestions or inputs or requests, You can contact me through the connect option on my website, thefoodallergypsychologist. com. There's a link in the notes. And you can also find me on Facebook and Instagram at Amanda Whitehouse, the food allergy psychologist. Thank you so much, and I hope everyone has a wonderful, safe, and joyful holiday season with your families. the content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions about your own medical experience or mental health needs, please consult a professional. I'm Dr. Amanda White house. Thanks for joining me. And until we chat again, remember don't feed the fear.
