DS15 started receiving counselling 4 weeks ago for, we think, anxiety.
It initially started when he told us he was having palpitations and feeling nauseous. Many doctor and hospital appointments later, we and he came to the conclusion that it’s psychological and so found him a counsellor.
Last week, he had an important Maths test and came home extremely upset saying that he felt faint, his mind went blank and he couldn’t focus. He said that he can’t go on feeling like that. He’s in Year 11, so obviously we’re concerned about this affecting his schooling.
He thinks that it can be solved/helped by medication. Is this true? Do doctors prescribe meds to children for anxiety?
Is it a good idea?
I desperately want to help him but have told him that a tablet would only mask the real issue, it needs to be dealt with through talk therapy.
I’m also extremely wary of giving him an emotional crutch which he may get addicted to going forward.
I’ve explained to him that counselling isn’t a quick fix but should intimately equip him with coping mechanisms.
I’ve also told him that he won’t always feel like this, that so many other youngsters are going through it too.
Its so hard seeing him like this.
Does anyone have any positive experiences of medication helping their teen?
tia