Kids & Panic Attacks: 3 Tips to Help Your Child During a Panic Attack by Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs

Mental Health
3 years ago

Kids & Panic Attacks: 3 Tips to Help Your Child During a Panic Attack

Social anxiety, or any form of anxiety, can take away the joy of life, limit your child's ability to function and enjoy childhood, and can feel downright scary. Here’s some help:

  • It can be helpful to explain to your child what anxiety is and does (when they are in a calm place). Anxiety is a necessary response to danger (for example, running from a bee if you are allergic). With panic attacks, the brain is giving a false danger signal, making you feel as if you are in danger when you are not.
  • When your child's anxiety is revving up, empathize with what they are experiencing. Saying things such as, "don't worry" or "stop crying" do not help. Try to distract your child with a question on an entirely different subject and one that makes them have to think. For example, "Is an avocado a fruit or a vegetable?" or "How fast can you count back from 100?"
  • Work with your child on replacing the anxious thought with a coping one. For example, "It's just a birthday party. I might not know anyone, but there will be cake, and I like cake" or "Timed tests freak me out. I know that I don't have to be perfect and that not finishing is not going to mean I am a failure."

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

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Donna John
Great tips, Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs . Two of my kids occasionally have panic attacks. It's hard when you don't know how to help them. Welcome to the tribe! Can't wait to learn more.
Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs
Hi Donna! Thank you for making us feel welcome!
Nicole DeAvilla
Great advice - thank you! Welcome to the tribe Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs !
Elisa Schmitz
What wonderful tips for what seems like a growing problem! Thank you for sharing this, Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs . Welcome to our tribe. I look forward to learning and growing with you! 😀
Gail Harris
Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs I have dealt with these issues a lot over the years. It's great to have a tip that targets this. At first I did exactly the things you cite not to do. It yiuvlive and learn. Welcome.
Kim Kusiciel
Welcome to the tribe Donna Shea & Nadine Briggs! Awesome tip. I have anxious kids, so I need this! Thank you.
Mike Prochaska
Thanks for the great tip. Lucky i haven't had to deal with this yet.

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