ANXIETY

[YourMintHiker]

My 13 yr old daughter is experiencing extreme anxiety to be point she doesn't want to live. I really need some help please

If she's an immediate serious danger to herself, take her to A&E

If she's self harming or you think she may harm herself make sure all medication and sharps are locked away - put them in your car boot and keep your keys on you all the time

Are school or GP aware? Are you pursuing a CAMHS referral? Do you have money for her to see a private therapist?

Hi, I work with teens who have MH issues, anxiety is one I see a lot.
Firstly reassure her that a certain level of anxiety is a normal thing, however when it starts to impact your life and/or wanting to love it, that's when you need to reach out for help.
Secondly make it very clear to her that you are always a safe space and will never judge her for anything she tells you, even if it seems like "silly teenage stuff", it will be huge to her.

There is so much support available, I would reach out to your GP for some support. Young minds are brilliant.

As someone with an anxiety disorder, my parents constantly wrote it off to me being "over the top" and "just a worrier" and I felt like I was broken. You are already doing the right stuff but it's a really tough, long road, you can navigate it together and ultimately it will open your relationship up and bring you closer.

GP. CAHMS.

Go private if you can afford it.

Keep close eye on her, and on mobile phone use.

Talk to the school.

School aware. Referral.to calms done. Waiting to get a therapist. Any other ideas to calm anxiety at present time while waiting?

In the these are what works for DD.
. Breathing
. Cross body slow tapping on shoulders
. 54321 technique
. (And for DD naming animals in alphabetical order)

Low demand.

How is the anxiety manifesting?

can i talk some more with u please?

Of course 😊 Let me know how I can help x

What age were u wen u first got anxiety? Were u put on meds or got therapy? What were ur symptoms?

What age were u wen u first got anxiety? I think I was born with it, I can't tell you a day I wasn't anxious. My first memories revolve around feeling worried.
Were u put on meds or got therapy? I was not diagnosed until I was 27 when I had a breakdown. I had CBT then and it helped me to challenge the anxious thoughts but didn't get rid of it. I am 39 now and went on medication last August, it's not gone completely but it has settled it.
What were ur symptoms? My symptoms were constant catastrophising, paranoia, agoraphobia (that kicked in when my kids were born), defensive behaviours, disordered eating (but not an eating disorder), insomnia, avoidance behaviours.

Have a (free) chat with Therese Langford of https://www.facebook.com/calmmindhypnotherapy, she specialises in children with mental health problems.

Op can I add something from my own experience - my 11 year old daughter has suffered very severe anxiety - ie. can't walk down the road/ cant' be with others/ can't go to school (missed months of school) - I would say OCD traits in with it. (she is autistic)

We have seen I'd say quite a major reduction in her anxiety in the past few months and I think it is because she was given forest school/ art therapy in school and we just kept getting her outside a lot and making sure she saw friends.

I am NOT suggesting that your child (or mine) do not need real professional MH support - I am saying that I think many children are suffocating with anxiety because they have lost touch with the real world.

This is a nuanced argument and believe me I understand that MH /anxiety issues are real.

but counselling/ cahms are not the only answer.

My DD did equine therapy in 2020. Counselling in a field of horses.
Helped her and us get through that long summer.

Absolutely agree; my horses have worked wonders - both casually and as part of a program - for loads of people. But only if your daughter loves horses (or isn't scared on them).