What to say to a child who is having a panic attack?
Try to stay calm and talk to them in a gentle and soothing voice. Tell them to take deep breaths and reassure them that the panic will be over soon. Once the panic attack seems to be subsiding, give them plenty of time and space to calm down.
How do I teach my child not to have a panic attack?
Here’s how:
- Spend time with them. Do this every day, even if it’s just a few minutes.
- Ask what’s on their minds. Help kids label what they think and feel.
- Listen with patience.
- Validate.
- Help kids think of how to handle things.
- Help them practice.
- Encourage.
- Help them expect good things.
Can children have panic attacks for no reason?
Panic attacks can be triggered by specific things or may occur suddenly for no reason. Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder and is diagnosed if your child suffers at least two unexpected panic or anxiety attacks followed by at least one month of concern over having another attack.
Should you tell someone they’re having a panic attack?
Many people already feel embarrassed about having to manage a panic attack in public, so there is no need to bring this to the person’s awareness. Instead of further shaming the person, try affirming their strength. Let them know that you are there to be supportive and that they have no reason to feel shame.
What illness causes panic attacks?
Panic attacks also can be caused by or linked with other medical conditions, including:
- Thyroid problems, such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
- Heart problems.
- Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy.
- Asthma.
- Respiratory problems, such as COPD.
What age do panic attacks start?
Symptoms often begin before age 25 but may occur in the mid-30s. Children can also have panic disorder, but it is often not diagnosed until they are older.
How can I help my 10 year old with anxiety?
- Quick Read.
- Full Article.
- The goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety, but to help a child manage it.
- Don’t avoid things just because they make a child anxious.
- Express positive — but realistic — expectations.
- Respect their feelings, but don’t empower them.
- Don’t ask leading questions.
- Don’t reinforce the child’s fears.
Do panic attacks ever go away?
Seeing results from treatment can take time and effort. You may start to see panic attack symptoms reduce within several weeks, and often symptoms decrease significantly or go away within several months.
How can I teach my child to deal with panic attacks?
Teach your kids that panic attacks are a false alarm in their body. Let them know the physical sensations associated with a panic attack so that when they experience them, it won’t be as scary. If your child is a pre-teen or teen, have them read books on how to get through panic attacks so they can feel empowered.
Should I make my child go to school with anxiety?
If you continue to make you child go to school you need to be prepared for many tearful mornings. Many schools will work with a crying child until he or she can go into class. This is the hardest part of facing fear when the anxiety is high and it doesn’t seem to be getting any easier even after many times of facing the fear.
How long does a panic attack last in a child?
Panic attacks typically last ten to fifteen minutes, but for you and your child, it can feel like a lifetime. When your child is not having a panic attack, get with them and brainstorm activities that they would find calming when in the throes of an attack.
What can I do if my child is scared of school?
If possible and/or available you could consider getting a therapist to help your child face his or her fear and also work with the school to help your child overcome this anxiety. We offer a lot of help in the Turnaround program that you can use at home with your child or in conjunction with a counselor.