Commentary: International Coeliac Awareness Day

“Being gluten-free isn’t just about avoiding certain foods, it’s a constant, often invisible effort. People are checking labels, worrying about gluten cross-contact, and navigating everyday situations like eating out, travelling, or attending social events. 

“Feeling confident that food is safe, and that dietary needs are taken seriously can make the difference between someone attending a social event or choosing not to go at all. Many people with coeliac disease report avoiding such occasions altogether because of the stress or uncertainty involved.

“This leads to some people feeling isolated and their world becoming smaller. Unsurprisingly higher rates of anxiety and depression are reported amongst people with coeliac disease, and a lot of that links to the ongoing burden of managing the diet and feeling excluded or misunderstood. 

“Psychological support for those with coeliac disease has often been lacking, with a focus on treating the body rather than supporting the person as a whole. Things are now changing with psychological support for coeliac disease now recognised in international clinical guidelines, marking a shift towards more holistic care.”