dd, 14, panic attacks

[sharonruth1982]

my dd, 14, had an operation to remove her appendix, having been in hospital from mon 25 April-thu 28 April, and hasn't done any of her school work, with her teachers' permission since monday due to her being hospitalised for 3 days, needing rest and being too tired to do any of her work. however, my dd tends to worry a lot about school. she's brought up being anxious about not doing her work, but, tonight told me she had a panic attack last night and a few minutes before she came downstairs.

my dd has had quite a few panic attacks in the past (since year 8) and has dealt with self-harm since August. unfortunately, during these times, it's hard to know what to do for her.

although she's never seen a mental health professional, i believe she has issues that could be diagnosed, though i'm not entirely sure. however, in these times, it would be hard to get her any help with her mental health.

as she's uncomfortable talking to me, and even her friends at times, i have no clue what to do to help her. if anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.

Panic attacks and self harm for 7 months and you haven’t considered making a doctor’s appointment? Make one. Isolation, hospitalization, and dealing with mortality being flung at you in the daily is hard enough for any teen, let alone with pre-existing mental health problems.

Have you seen a GP about it? When dd developed a phobia at age 8 i saw a GP and she was referred to CAMHs. Admittedly this was 8 years ago so it might be harder now but definitely worth asking. Also speak to the school about it.

PS. The phobia was severe and was escalating to other things and affecting day to day life so that was why she was referred to CAMHs

You definitely need to get her on a list to be seen. Don’t assume help isn’t available. She needs it, and it’s worth the search. Good luck!

Self harm should not be a normal part of such a young girls life! Please make a Drs appointment and let her go in alone if that's what she'd prefer. Stopping negative coping strategies from developing now is the key time before it gets further down the line and much more difficult.