The psychological aspects of coeliac disease are not often talked about. Keeping to a gluten-free diet requires a sustained amount of effort both from yourself and those closest to you which can be stressful.

Food is much more than a biological requirement. It is a major part of our culture and social lives. Changing the nature of your diet, particularly if it's not voluntary can have an impact on your social life. Eating out and travelling can be difficult so we've provided some advice to deal with these challenges.

Remember, a problem shared is a problem halved, so join the society to get the support you need from fellow coeliacs. Most coeliacs will experience the following thoughts and emotions at some time:

• Denial of the fact that you have coeliac disease,
• Repressing the feelings of difficulty of being coeliac,
• Difficulty in accepting possible physical side effects of the gluten-free diet,
• Seeing yourself as a burden to your family and friends,
• Irritation by having to single yourself out in restaurants and social gatherings

Denial of the fact that you have coeliac disease.

Once you’ve been diagnosed using the results from a biopsy it is clear that you have coeliac disease. Now it’s important to get onto your gluten-free diet immediately and to reap the health benefits.

A feeling of being coeliac as a problem to be repressed

Trying to convince yourself that you should be able to deal with it with no problem at all and that it will not change your life at all. Thinking it will all be plain sailing is not realistic. It is important to acknowledge the negative emotions and find ways of dealing with them.

Difficulty in accepting possible physical side effects (e.g. weight gain) as a result of the gluten-free diet

Get advice from your dietitian on how to avoid gaining weight or how to lose weight safely. Many members also find slimming clubs useful in tackling extra weight.

Seeing yourself as a burden to your family and friends.

You might find out who your friends are and you may be surprised by how resourceful and supportive they can be. The society provides resources to help your friends get the information they need to support you.

Being irritated by the fact that you have to single yourself out in restaurants and social gatherings.

After a bit of research, with planning in advance and a bit of practice this should be less troublesome.

Worry that those around you, or those preparing your food will ignore or forget the needs of the diet and being aware that even if you follow all the rules and advice there is always a risk that you might eat gluten by mistake. Do your best. We’ve got some advice if you find gluten is getting into your diet by accident.