Celiac

I have celiac’s disease which requires me to have a 100% gluten free diet. Celiacs is an autoimmune disease and when I consume gluten my body attacks the small intestine, causing me to be strictly gluten free. Being consuming gluten causes physical problems but the gluten free diet can also cause mental ones too. The diet can lead to social isolation or feeling like a burden. I get nervous going out with friends because if we decide to eat food I have to make sure they have something I can eat. This always makes me worried because if I can't eat anything then I dont want my friends to feel bad but I also don't want them to change their plans just because of me. Most of my friends and their family know about my allergy and accommodate it, but when I go to a new friend's house I worry they will make me something or give me something I can't eat. Another mental aspect is grief. When I see my friends or family eating something I used to love, it causes me sadness sometimes, but I also don't want them to feel bad for eating it. Celiacs disease is autoimmune which means I will have it for the rest of my life and there is no cure. Which can affect people including myself mentally. The cost of gluten free food is significantly higher than regular food, I am fortunate enough to afford it but other people may not be able to afford gluten free food. I have had my allergy for 5 years and have adjusted well to the diet, but it can make me sad knowing that I will never have a “normal” life again.