13 DD sudden onset of panic attacks and anxiety (no clear reason)

[pumpkin1976]

My 13 year old DD has had small periods of low level anxiety (pretty much started when she began secondary school) She loves school, has lots of friends and doesn't work too hard (quite chilled about it) We put the anxiety down to hormones and just being tired and wired. It disappeared and she's had a fab year so far this year. The anxiety has always come out at home, never in school. She has always said she loves school and it's her happy place (not that home isn't though)

The last two weeks I have noticed her being more restless, I can pick up on subtle changes. This has now culminated in her having panic/anxiety attacks. I work in social care with young people so I know it all too well. We have taught her about fight flight response, strategies to manage it. That although they are awful it's the body doing what is does naturally but at the wrong time. She is so upset and angry, as she doesn't know why this has started happening. Nothing has changed in school, friendships are okay. I know some people
will say maybe there is something that's happened but genuinely she's been fab all year and nothing external has changed. We are very open as a family and she's said there's nothing worrying her. Her dad had a period of this years before she was born, so I'm wondering if it's something she's more susceptible to.

she started her periods when she was 10, they have always been regular. She's very spotty at the moment, lots of stretch marks too and she's definitely growing. Not sure if it's something hormonal but the anxiety hit her, feels sick then panics. She's gone into school and they are going to see her every day on her own. She hates school getting involved though.

I'll take her to the GP, she has a course amid hypnotherapy starting and we will lay privately for her to see someone as I know CAMHS is hopeless.

just reaching out to any other parents/carers who've experienced something similar? I'm so upset and in pieces about it (although very calm with her) I wish to knew what caused it and could have it myself so she doesn't have to experience this. She is such a happy, confident and funny young girl and it's heartbreaking to see this xx

I don’t know. I have an anxious 18 year old dd. Started at 16 although there were earlier signs looking back.

I can’t help thinking it’s triggered partly by hormones. It seems to rear up around mid - late teens. Your dc went through puberty a little early so maybe she’s consistent with that timing. I’m so sorry. It’s hard.

I’m convinced hormone changes kick it off.

same as women who are perimenopausal.
the anxiety is real at certain times of the month for me

yakkity & humptydumptyfelloff

thanks so much. It's so lonely going through this when everyone I seem to know have happy go lucky teens at the moment. Feel very angry at the world.

going to ask what blood tests can be done for hormones and maybe cortisol too, if the gp won't do them we will go private and just pay. She's texted me from school saying she doesn't want to see her head of year today as it was making her feel worse but I've said she needs to accept help, and panicking and texting me when I'm home and can't do anything isn't a good strategy for her. What a stress xx