Ask the Patient Leaders: Anxiety and Chronic Hives

Anxiety and depression come into many people's lives, at different times and in different ways. Living with a chronic condition such as chronic hives can put a person's mental health at risk, if they are not equipped to deal with the hardships that may arise.

Asking for help and being kind to yourself through mental health struggles are key. But what can you do when the anxiety is coming from factors out of your control? Chronic hives can be unpredictable and leave many feeling uncertain and anxious.

We asked our patient leaders: Has chronic hives caused anxiety in your life?

Their answers showcase the spectrum that anxiety can take in different people living with similar conditions.

Has chronic hives caused anxiety in your life?

Response from Andressa

Yes! Because I never know when it will pop up. You are constantly on the edge, because you want to prevent an attack, but you can’t. I see it as an attack, because during an “episode” it literally feels like my body is under attack.

Especially in the beginning when I just started my journey with the allergist, I was even anxious about eating, drinking, bathing, washing clothes, etc. Because it felt like anything out there could have been a trigger. So I was trying to prevent triggers.

But you can’t prevent a trigger if you don’t know the trigger. And that caused anxiety. Afterwards if I look back, I don’t know if I can say that I would do something differently. But what I do know now, is that sometimes you need to accept the unknown situation to be able to continue life in a healthy way.

Response from Ambre

Not really. It’s mainly caused frustration due to trying to find a treatment regimen that works for me, and alleviates my symptoms.

Response from CJ

Absolutely! My anxiety was exacerbated by the fact that my chronic hives happened unexpectedly and not knowing the cause.

You are not alone

Has chronic hives impacted your mental health? Do you feel anxiety due to chronic hives? We are here to listen and offer support. Leave a comment, share your story, get talking with others in the forums. Support from others and shared experience can make all the difference.

If you feel you need professional help with your anxiety, talking to a doctor or therapist may be a good option as well.

Find general mental health resources here.