Panic Attacks

[Drusilla]

Does anyone have any advice about explaining a panic attack to children?

[copippin]

Hi Drusilla,not sure if this will work as I'm not too good at this but this site might help www.adaa.org/AnxietyDisorderInfor/PanicDisAgor.cfm - 25k - 27 Dec 2005 - Cached - Similar pages
If you don't feel that it helps try telling them that it is like when you are startled by something which surprises you and a feeling of worry/fear/even excitement happens and it doesn't just go away,it stays with you and perhaps gets worse until something or someone helps to calm you down.

[copippin]

Sorry!! I told you I wasn't very good at copying and pasting! it is yet to be perfected.

[andy-hughes]

Keep it nice and simple. If it's your own children, tell them that sometimes Mummy feels a bit ill, but it looks far worse than it feels, and Mummy will be OK again very soon, and they mustn't worry. Then tell them they can help Mummy by being quiet and calm while Mummy waits to feel better, but no harm will come to Mummy, or them, and it is just something that Mummy does from time to time.

Keep it low key and easy to understand, and they should catch on, and assimilate this distressing condition when it manifests itself.

[peeriesooky]

is it you that suffers the attacks or your children?

[mrbubbles]

www.nomorepanic.co.uk is a great website that may offer some suggestions