stress reaction in 9yr old

[MonroetoAngeline]

Don't know if anyone has experienced this - I have a 9yr old girl and we have a much loved 11yrold labrador that is starting to have some health problems. My daughter is struggling to cope with the dog's illnesses - any mention of them causes her to start to retch then vomit, it seems to be a nervous reaction but I don't know what to do- she won't talk about it. What do I do? Take her to the GP? Would counselling help - I have medical cover via work so that wouldn't be a problem, but she's only 9.......

Oh dear, that is so awful for your little girl, she must be very worried about the pooch. I would definitely have a good chat with her and take her to see someone, but someone who is very adept at dealing with child mental health issues. It sounds very much like an anxiety-based reaction, which is not abnormal in situations where we feel out of control and anxious about things, but should be dealt with to help your daughter cope with this situation, and future situations such as this.

I'm sure it is anxiety, that's why I want to try and do something about it - she shouldn't be worried like this at her age. The thing is it just seems to be triggered by the dog - her nan has dementia and grandad has cancer but she doesn't react to us talking about their illnesses in the same way.
I try to talk to her but she clams up - after last night's incident she shut herself in her room and wouldn't talk to me or her daddy. I have suggested to her that if she doesn't want to talk to us she could talk to her cousin who she adores, but no go. Would it be best to start with the GP to get a referral?

We have thought about a puppy, but not sure how our dog would react - she's a lovely old girl but have we left it a bit late at 11 to introduce a youngster?

first try to see some good doc & understand her health problem - there might be other things in future too that will take her to this condition . after that try to cover up her mind.

She has talked a bit to her Dad this morning while I'm at work so will see what came of that later. I think GP probably next, and see where we go from there.

Having seen your gp and ruled out any health problems, I would recommend your dd seeing a child psychologist who specialises in anxiety - if you can afford to go privately I would do that for the sake of speed.

It may take a while to find a therapist that your dd responds to and with whom you feel comfortable, but worth searching a bit to get the right one.

It may only take a few sessions to sort the problem but best dealt with early on as this sort of thing can become a vicious circle ie child becomes as anxious about unpleasant symptoms of stress reaction as they are about the original trigger. Someone who specialises in CBT might be good - they can help her to 'tune down' the high level of reaction herself and not be so overwhelmed by her fears.

In the meantime, can recommend 'What to Do When You Worry Too Much: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming Anxiety (What to Do Guides for Kids)' and 'Freeing Your child from anxiety' both available from Amazon.

(Disclaimer - I'm not a mental health professional or anything btw - just have a 10 yr old dd with a few school related anxiety issues!)