So, picture this: I’ve been rocking the celiac life for over 15 years (yes, I’m counting fingers and toes), and the support from family, friends, and this fantastic community has been nothing short of incredible. Grateful doesn’t quite cut it. But then, I received an email that triggered a revelation: in those 14 years, none of MY family or friends have been hit with the celiac bomb. Cue the conflicting emotions—insanely jealous, but hey, also grateful. Anyway, here’s the email:
“Hi there. I stumbled upon your blog today while researching how to support my best friend who was just diagnosed with celiac after a pretty acute Gastro couple months and finally gave in went to the doc did the blood work and got the news this week. What support does he need from a friend?”
Now, THAT is an amazing friend. My main piece of advice would just be to “be there” for him. Like any disease, getting diagnosed can be a serious shock to the system. And getting diagnosed with celiac, because of the overwhelming life change that must take place, can be extremely intense. Listen to his fears and concerns and help him off the ledge, so to speak. Like I said, it’s quite an overwhelming diagnosis. But it can be managed and it does get easier as time goes by. Here are some other quick tips:
- Be Patient: It’s a whole new world where gluten becomes Public Enemy No. 1. Give him the luxury of mourning the loss of his old gluten-filled life. Don’t expect him to waltz into his gluten-free world without a few bumps in the road.
- Be Strict: Ah, the memories of those first few weeks post-diagnosis when I flirted with the idea of cheating. Mrs. Dude’s death stare set me straight, and not a crumb of gluten has crossed my lips since. I’m not saying it’s your responsibility to police your friend’s gluten intake, but don’t make it a cakewalk either. No approval, no nudging him to “just take a bite” of your pizza. And if you possess a death stare, now’s its time to shine.
- Be Educated: As your friend wrestles with the reality of celiac, absorbing everything might be a bit much. Dive into the celiac and gluten sea of knowledge. Read, read, and read some more. Knowledge is power, my gluten-free friend.
- Be There: Now, more than ever, your friend will need you.