11 yr old has panic attacks - how can I help him?

[lifeistough]

My 11 yr old DS has panic attacks when he has to do anything he isn't sure about. He has been referred by CAMHs for Cognitive behaviour therapy but I know there is a long waiting list, the problem is he is starting high school in September and is already getting worried about having panic attacks. The school have been very good and he has a number of visits arranged over June & July to spend time at his new school before he starts, but I know he is going to have panic attacks on the mornings of these visits.

I'm being very positive and upbeat about these visits but my DS is in a vicious circle of worrying about having panic attacks in front of people at his new school, he's panicking about panicking if that makes sense?

Is there anything I could get him to help with his nerves, he does use Rescue remedy and that helps, but I was wondering about trying Kalms tablets or something similar?

any advice would be appreciated.

[PiggyMad]

How awful for your poor ds. I know the panicking about panicking all too well .
Is it certain situations that he is worried about - e.g. the bus ride in, assemblies, or just all of it in general? I have a peppermint diffuser from Organics that I sniff when feeling anxious and it is very discreet. Also peppermint/eucalyptus scented htissues help me - the scent is a distraction and slows the breathing down too. Could this help?
Other than that, for me it is just a case of getting used to something new as I'm not keen on change either, so after the first week or two hopefully things will settle down for him and he might even be so busy in the first week that he is distracted from panic

[pollymere]

Panic attacks are not fun...

I find that Kalms do help me...although my pharmacist says there is nothing really special in them. I do wonder whether the act of taking them makes me feel better, but they do contain calming herbs. Lavender oil can also help. I have also found breathing techniques to calm me down can also help.

Howevcer, the best treatment for me personally is a combination of list making and talking it through with someone. I also find that if I know what is going to happen to the minutest detail it can really help. That way I can be more sure of what is going to happen and I have talked through all the possible scenarios. I got stuck recently with the volcanic ash and these techniques stopped me going crazy...it might not stop the feelingof panic but it can help rationalise and make it feel much better. It sounds like you need to try and break through the circle of worry and talk through each one however silly. It might be reassuring to know that I found people were alwasy concerned about panic attacks rather than using them as an excuse for bullying.

Hope he enjoys his new school eventually!

[kizzie]

This book seems to have good reviews

www.amazon.co.uk/What-When-You-Worry-Much/dp/1591473144/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21 &qid=1274956948&sr=8-1

What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids) (Paperback)
by Dawn Huebner
Dawn Huebner (Author)