Symptoms can range from gut and bowel issues to skin issues and fatigue. I have found that removing these dairy products from my everyday life (no matter how much it saddened me!), I felt a lot better. My skin improved, I no longer bloat as severely, and I have more energy. I did not realise how much food intake affects how we feel in ourselves and how our bodies react when taking in something they cannot tolerate.

I also wanted to write that there is a significant difference between toleration and allergies – a true food allergy could trigger some potentially life-threatening reactions if the allergy is severe enough. Intolerance is much less severe and actually is largely gut and bowel related.

Finding alternatives is a lot easier these days than it used to be. Packing in supermarkets is very informative, and the main allergens in food are often highlighted. Often, supermarkets do a ‘free-from range’ where things like gluten and wheat or dairy products are not added as an ingredient. Ranges like this are growing as people discover problems like coeliac disease are a lot more common than thought years ago. Restaurants are catering to specific dietary requirements. I felt like my favourite foods would be a thing of the past, but with research, I found delicious alternatives that my body could tolerate.

It is important to have a diet that suits your body’s needs and preferences. If your body is not tolerating foods, it will certainly let you know about it. I found researching food tolerance/allergen testing helped; talking to people who have gone through similar problems, and just trial and error helped. If you feel this is something that might be affecting you, please speak to a GP.

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Mental health should not just be recognised on only one day. Mental health should be recognised all year round. Employers should have education on how to help and support staff who suffer from mental health problems. Teachers should have training on how to help their pupils with mental health issues and point them in the right direction of help. Governments should appropriately fund mental health facilities and foundations to help people who do need support. People should know it is okay to say they are struggling and know they will be treated with respect and not made to feel embarrassed or ashamed at any point. It should be treated like any other problem or illness, with empathy, support, and care, and not dismissed.

I think we still have a long way to go in awareness of mental health. Understanding of mental health is still developing, treatment options are still broadening, and people are gradually becoming more accepting. Hopefully, one day, we will live in a world where mental health issues will not be overlooked and underfunded. Until then, we can only be considerate and understanding of those with mental health issues and support them the best we can; mental health support should be freely accessible. No one should suffer in silence.

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Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy is quite controversial across mental health care. Some people say it works for them, and others do not believe in it at all. There are several methods of hypnotherapy. One of the most common is that the person in context would be put into a deeply relaxed state, spoken to on what they wish to achieve out the hypnotherapy. For example, overcome a fear of small spaces (claustrophobia). Then they are gently brought out of this trance-like state. Some people may need several sessions for the end goal to be accomplished. Others may need just one.

The NHS does not provide hypnotherapy as a service. If this is something you may want to look into, it is worth researching on the internet as hypnotherapists do not have to have a medical background. It also might be helpful to speak to your GP.

CBT therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)  therapy is an excellent way of speaking through any phobia issues. It may be that releasing fears and talking through them is enough to knock them on the head or tone them down to a level where it is more comfortable for that person to deal with.

CBT is obtainable through the NHS. You can often refer yourself to CBT therapy through the internet. If you do not wish to refer yourself, a GP can do this for you.

Confrontation

Confrontation is a brave thing to do if a phobia is intense. Some people may find that jumping headfirst into conquering fears is what works for them. A step at a time is also very typical.

The overall thought about phobias is that they are normal to have. As with any mental health issue, it may take time to sort out. They can happen to anyone and develop at any time in your life. If anyone feels like a phobia is taking over their life, they should speak to a health professional.

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