Please or to access all these features

Child mental health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

12-year-old dd refusing to come on holiday because of anxiety issues

5 replies

ali23 · 08/06/2019 20:57

Our 12-year-old dd has a sporadic history of fainting. Of late, she suffered from low iron and was dizzy/feeling faint. Blood tests confirmed she was borderline anaemic and so she was prescribed some iron supplements.
However, it has given rise to crippling and debilitating anxiety issues. She has started to take panic attacks. She has dropped out of all extra curricular activities that she previously enjoyed and no amount of cajoling is helping.

We have paid an eye-watering amount for her to see a therapist who has been helping. She has been twice and there has been a benefit but we cannot afford to pay for him long-term as it is exceptionally expensive. We have a CAMHS app for the end of August.

Prior to this last six weeks, she had identified two-year episodes of fainting - at age 6/8/10 and now 12. The last time she fainted was coming home from holiday two years ago. So she is now adamant that she will not come on holiday (end of this month) as she 'knows' she is going to faint. She is furious with us for wanting her to go. Previously, she has been excited about the holiday. She has now said she would like to be on holiday but not get on holiday.

What do we do? As a family of five we have been counting down to this since September. Has anyone had medication for their anxious child to get on a flight? For me, that is a last resort. I would far rather we got through it without that but at the minute I just don't see it happening.

Any advice hugely appreciated as the effect this is having on us as a family is enormous.

OP posts:
AwakeNow · 08/06/2019 21:05

Is she afraid of flying? Does she randomly pass out without warning, or is she hyperventaling? And yes, many kids take Ativan for dental appointments, so why not to fly? I'd do that.

Travellingraspberry · 08/06/2019 21:22

Rescue remedy could be worth a try just to take the edge off?

ali23 · 08/06/2019 21:24

She’s not afraid of flying but of fainting in the airport. It’s not random - or often.

OP posts:
BeanoBrown · 08/06/2019 21:54

There is a children's book called 'What to do when you worry too much' by Dawn Huebner that I'd recommend if you haven't read it. It explains how anxiety takes over every part of your life if you let it grow and would hopefully make sense of her thinking she 'knows' she is going to faint.

Does she know to wiggle her toes if she feels faint/dizzy and the feelings will most likely pass?

I've no experience of medication sorry.

ali23 · 08/06/2019 23:09

Brilliant. Will definitely get the book. Have bought a load of different help books but not this one. And, no, the wiggling toes is good to pass on too. Thanks.

OP posts:
New posts on this thread. Refresh page