Kids saw me have a panic attack

[ltes]

I feel horrendous, like I've completely let them down.

My health anxiety is horrific at the moment - it's ruining my entire life. I can't figure out which symptoms I have are physical or psychological. I'm making myself sick with it.

I've just started having a panic attack while driving. I've desperately tried to get home without them seeing but the second that I got through the door I was just sobbing and couldn't breathe.

I feel like I'm completely traumatising them.

You got them home safely so that's the main thing for now. They're probably more confused rather than traumatized by your behaviour since you got home. You can explain to them in simple language once you regain sufficient control. I take it you're all safe and in one piece now? Panic attacks are really shit 😔

How old are they? Are they old even that you could explain what happened?
I knew how to deal with epilepsy by the age of 7 as a relative who lived with us had regular fits. Actually helped me when a school friend started having them when I was about 9 as I knew what to do.

@DanielGault yes I'm OK now. Very teary and anxious still, but not like that.

@IncognitoUsername they're both KS1 ages.

My son saw me have one. I have health anxiety too. I talked to him after about feelings and how they can show up differently with people. We talked about what to do when we feel overwhelmed like that: ask for a hug, talk, minute's peace, push on a wall, deep breathes 5senses technique, etc.

You're showing you are human. If you aren't already seek support with counselling because bottling it up is so difficult. But don't beat yourself up. Take care xx

Other username but that's fine

How old are they? Mostly they'll be confused but you can reassure them that you're ok.

You are human OP, it is ok for your children to see emotions or even panic. I'm sorry you're having panic attacks, I suffer myself so I know what you're going through.

Then old enough to have it explained in simple terms so that they are not scared of it happens again.