Panic Attacks

[lil75]

My son is 11 and recently broke his arm....since then, he has started suffering from panic attacks, I know what it is as I used to get them and it started at the same age, I have shown him info on the net about them even a video clip of a doctor explaining what they are....I have told him it is mind over matter and that he has to be strong, but im finding it very upsetting him watching him get in this state.... I dont let him know that. Can anyone please give me some advice on how to get him to overcome this, he is not worried about anything, just keeps worrying about another attack coming on, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[zzxxee]

you really need to book an appointment with your g.p.

[crisgal]

i used to suffer from these and have been on medication for years. I came off my tablets each time I was pregnant and the fear of having an attack would bring one on.
In desperation one night, trawling through the internet for some help, i bought an e-book. It changed my life.

The main idea was that once you fear an attack and you get that dreaded feeling in the pit of your stomach, the dreadful cycle begins.
In order to beat it, you have to (and it's not easy at first), welcome that small feeling. as soon as you feel it coming- instead of thinking "oh no" think "Yes! I'm going to have another attack! Fantastic, here we go!"
Then, often, the feeling subsides instantly - because you haven't panicked!
If it does continue however, as the feeling grows, you then think (I actually said it out loud) "Come on then. Is that it? Can't you do any worse than that? Come ON! MORE!" almost as if riding a roller coaster. But you must mean it - you're not just saying the words, you must WANT the attack to continue. By the very nature of panic attacks, ie: worry - panic-worry-panic, the attack cannot continue because you've broken the cycle.
It is a very long book, with info on what is happening during the "flight or fight" mode, and I have tried to put it briefly. I hope you understand what I mean!

I hope it is some help to you both as it really did help me.

Warmest wishes to your little boy and a big hug x

[Androcles]

I don't know if this will help....

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/phobias/Pages/Panic attacks.aspx

I am sure he will grow out of it, but he needs to face the problem head on if possible.

[lil75]

Thank you so much Crisgal, I read ur answer with tears and was laughing at the same time...feel like an emotional wreck! but yes, I completely understand what your saying, and I will suggest it to him...fingers crossed eh!

The worst part about it, is he seems to think hes alone, despite he fact that it runs in the family and weve all told him he is going to be alright....im trying to keep him occupied etc, but it just comes out of the blue, as they do.

I am going to take him to the doctors for some reassurance, thanks again x

[lil75]

I just read him your answer crisgal, he was lauging, but he said hes going to do it! Lets hope it works, he actually seems a bit more positive about it already!!! x

[DEN53]

Hi lil - I am guessing from his age - he is going to secondary school in September - this could be the problem with the panic attacks.

I can remember my friend's daughter having the same problems during the school holidays with the secondary school starting date looming.

Breaking his arm could have just been the trigger but the deep routed problem could be starting a new school.

Seeing your GP is a good place to start.

[lil75]

Thanks Den53, and yes he is starting seniors in september, I have asked him if he is worried and he says he isnt? maybe its a combination of both things as you say....just hearing that other children get it as well,, makes us feel better, thankyou x

[DEN53]

Hi Lil - I am no expert, but I would put money on him being apprehensive about starting a new school. Its a big step from junior school to seniors.

My son is 19 now and I can still remember the little niggles that crept in during the summer break.

Lots of hugs, reassurance and play down the starting senior school topic. All of which I am sure you are doing Lil.

Good luck xx

[pastafreak]

If you can find the books of Dr Claire Weekes....get them. She was a pioneering medic in the treatment of anxiety disorders.

http://www.healthbanquet.com/claire-weekes.htm l

I suffered with both panic attacks and agoraphobia when I was in my twenties......and her books helped me immensely. Unfortunately,GPs are not always clued up as to what will help, and seem too willing to prescribe medication on a long-term basis.
My daughter is curently also experiancing panic attacks at the age of 23, same as me....and she has found her GP to be less than helpful.

[lil75]

Thanks Pasta, there bloody horrible things aint they! Will try and get hold of a copy of that book, will try anything...same as you, I know what they feel like and its a terrible feeling, can take over your life, which I really dont want to happen to him....

I hope your daughter can overcome it too x

[crisgal]

how nice of you to send a thank you. It's nice to know when a poster appreciates an answer!

I remembered last night, after my answer, that after reading the e-book and being determined to try the therapy out, i didn't have an attack for AGES. I'm sure it's because I actually WANTED to have an attck! Do you know what I mean?
Hopefully, the same thing will happen to him.
xx

[bantingm]

Hi lil75 sorry to hijack your question, i just wondered whether Crisgal could tell me the name of the book she brought?

My mother is having terrible panic attacks whilst driving, she is 50, and has been driving for years but suddenly has become very panicky and nervous. She often starts to worry when she is driving a panic attack will come on and she will crash...so the cycle starts.

she is at her whit�s end and as my sister and i live a good half an hour drive away she feels she cant get down to see us which is making her feel worse. Any suggestions would be welcome in helping her.

Thanks

[lil75]

Hi Bantingm, Crisgal has wrote nother post for me, so I will post a reply and tell her about your question on here....these blimming panic attacks are awful, I hope your mum is ok x