Treating anxiety in children

[MonstranceClock]

Not really an aibu, just posting here for traffic as I need some advice. My 5 year old is having tests done for a diet issue, as she’s been having stomach issues. However, I’m 100% it’s anxiety due to my bipolar disorder. However, whenever I mention this to health professionals they brush me off and say I’m being hard on myself. I don’t know who to turn to now, I’m making my child sick and i don’t know what to do! She’s supposed to be having blood tests next week to test for a diet issue but I don’t want her to have them if she doesn’t need them.

Anyone?

How do you know it's because of you? Surely there's no way of knowing for sure until the tests are done?

It’s me. We fell out tonight and she was crying and she told me I’m making her ill. Her tummy pain is because of me.

Might as well have the blood tests done so you can be sure on that issue

You could ask to talk to the school nurse? I'd say anxiety could be a definite possibility, if no other cause is found, but let the doctors exclude other causes - I'm sorry you've had your own difficulties, that's not your fault and you clearly want to do the right things for her. In an ideal world I would suggest things that generally help all children are the basics of

• good stable routine for her
• family meals and games
• not being exposed to distress or arguments regularly
• adults not verbalising their worries
• hobbies and interests
• getting your own help and maintaining your own routine for good mental health
• letting her school know (young carers sometimes offer family activity days and support).

Lots of 'just being' and following her lead in child led play, attending to her closely in play. And (if you do tend to be self critical) beating yourself up won't help her, being self compassionate and constructive will be better. Good luck with things.

Thankyou Eva that’s a really helpful post