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Panic Attacks and Anxiety in my 17 year old

1 reply

Runningto45 · 20/08/2018 16:30

My 17 year old has been experiencing anxiety for the last 9 months or so and has been having panic attacks. He told me today he has started having them overnight. He has a referral for CAMHS but the appointment isn't for another 6 weeks and the Dr has prescribed anti-depressants etc. which seem to help a bit but the overnight panic attacks are a new thing and I don't know how to help him. He is doing well at school and amazingly his grades aren't being affected and he wants to go to university and can see this in a positive way. I just don't know what to do and I am very worried. I feel very useless and that I am letting him down.

OP posts:
HiThere1984 · 20/08/2018 22:40

Hi There,
I’m so sorry for your 17yo, but from my experience, you are doing a great job to support him.
There are infinite reasons why someone has panic attacks. I have several crisis over the years and they are often triggered by a difficult situation. So I think more than ADs, you need to help your DS to figure out what triggers the crisis. Each case is unique, but therapy is really important too.
And most importantly, please stay calm during the crisis. The worst it can happen is people around you panicking during your panic attack. They tend to be short. Offer a hug or a glass water. Wait until it stops. Sometimes all we need is a hug and knowing that we are not alone. Wink

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