question: Hi, I have been living with a major anxiety for some time now. I recently developed an irrational fear of anaphylaxis. Everything started when I bought a new hair conditioner and decided to try it, some tingling started I panicked and started to think that I may develop a severe allergic reaction (I heard of Hair dye allergies before). However, nothing happened, the tingling  sensations stopped long before I washed it of. Sadly, these thoughts haven't left my head... So, I decided to search for information on the subject, when, why it happens, who tend to suffer from it... As they say we fear of the unknown... It didn't help me at all, it worsened my fears because I learnt that it can happen to anyone, anytime and anything can cause it... I'm afraid to eat everything and even more afraid to take Xanax to relief the symptoms. What should I do before meeting with a therapist? How can I help myself? Maybe there are some facts that could help me to understand it and stop the panic?  By the way, I have never expierenced a severe allergic reaction, never had allergies but I tend to get hives if I scratch my skin.