11 year old panic attack. Now, please help.

[MotherOfATeenApprenticeActuary]

My 11 year old DS (year 7) is currently in his second massive panic attack of 24 hours. I’ve not abandoned him to post here his beloved adult brother has him cuddled up in a duvet on the sofa whilst I panic post on here from the kitchen.

He’s always been a very anxious boy and I think a nasty batch of bullying last week (he was chocked by a bigger boy in the pool and his head put under the water. He was unable to breathe and it scared him stupid). I think this has set him up and a series of triggers over the weekend escalated it for him. Last night he was unable to speak, terrified, hyper ventilating until very late when it all sorted itself out. I talked to him that everything was fine and gave him big hugs.

He’s the same now, I have a feeling worrying about it happening again has made it happen again. Non verbal, rocking, hyperventilating and terrified but of nothing specific, What can I do, he looks so scared and I can’t bear if for him. Holding it together for him though obviously. Please help, what can I do?

I tried the rubbing his triceps thing as well once he was out of the bath and got a jumpy 'what are you doing' when I told him it was good for making him feel grounded I got a very odd look so stopped. Maybe next time .

Regular yoga if he's willing to try, would be useful to as a prevention/maintenance

@mrslant he needs to rub his triceps, not you

Aaah, that would probably make all the difference Bobbie .

He had a massive headache this morning (real I think) and so hasn't gone in to school. I've emailed head of year, class tutor and SENCO and will attempt to phone later. GP appointment this afternoon.

All I want to do is lie on the sofa and weep but work it is, thank goodness DS can come with me.

Hyperventilation can cause headaches so I'd chalk that up to experience. The thing about panic attacks is they can become self fulfilling. One will lead to another and another before they spiral. Getting in early in terms of treatment is helpful, so if you can afford a couple of therapy sessions (CBT would be good) it's probably a good idea.

There are also some good apps like headspace for daily mindfulness.

Good day I think. School have a special card that he will get in the morning and the teachers will know he is allowed to use it, so if he feels one coming on he can show the teacher and leave. It even has instructions on the back so if they are really lost they go to the right place and will be looked after. GP was amazing and gave him a brown bag and showed him how to breathe into it, explained the science behind it and everything. I'm not googling because he was sold on it and that's all that matters. So far the magic of brown bag breathing has kept him ok this evening. We also got a referral to the children's mental health services which I am over the moon about. Apparently he should have had it 5 years ago for bereavement counselling but we were fobbed off. I am choosing to ignore the 5 years of not having counselling which has landed us here and instead be really happy that he will be getting it now.