Panic Attacks??

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-03-2004
Panic Attacks??
5
Tue, 09-19-2006 - 12:05pm
MY dd16 has had various health problems over the years that resulted in hospitalization, surgery and non-stop testing. For the past 2 years she has been feeling fine but she has gastritis that she is on medication for and needs to watch her diet because certain foods make her feel sick. Lately she has been in a lot of pain no matter what she eats and she is starting to lose weight again, something she has worked very hard to maintain this past year because she was always underweight. She has been seeing her GI and will start undergoing more tests next week. She is scared and frustrated and is so tired of dealing with this that she has started to have panic attacks again. When she was younger she used to get them and she saw a therapist to help her deal with anxiety but was never put on any medication because she was always dealing with other health issues and medications. Her dr wants to rule out any further GI problems before we explore the anxiety issue but in the meantime her attacks are very severe - nothing like we have dealt with in the past. She hyperventilates, speaks irrationally and scratches her palm, wrist and arm until they are raw. It's awful to see and I'm so frustrated and upset that the drs want her to wait this out. I don't know to handle these attacks or what else I can do to help her. The breathing and talking techniques that we used in the past are not working. Has anyone else dealt with panic attacks?? Are there any other techniques we can try??
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-20-2005
Tue, 09-19-2006 - 12:22pm

I have not dealt with this but am sending you big cyberhugs. Maybe she can see the therapist again and they will some additional suggestions - at least, it would provide someone to counsel her and help reduce her overall stress level so that maybe the attacks won't be so severe.

Good Luck!

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 09-19-2006 - 2:13pm

Well, I've had panic attacks on occasion over the past year and a half. And my now 18dd had them - they started right around 16 years of age. She saw a counselor which didn't help her at all because she wasn't open to it. She was given sleep medication because most often the attacks occurred during the night (she had fears there were people in the house with us). She was instructed to try deep breathing exercises and yoga. The yoga helped somewhat. She still has the attacks, though less frequently and when she does, she usually goes and sits alone and just closes her eyes until it passes. Your dd's sound much more severe than mine, but I do know that she was scratching her hands much the same way that you describe your dd does and that was scary. I should add that once her sleep improved, the attacks slowed down as well. Also, our chiro suggested an intake of evening primrose, vitamin E and some type of EFA - like fish or flax oils. Those helped as well and her exzema also improved. DD16 used to have panic attacks as well, but hers were also filled with rage, like a temper tantrum, so she required meds and behavior therapy.

I think you should contact a therapist to help your dd learn healthy, non-medicinal methods of getting herself out of a panic attack.

Hugs and best of luck.

Avatar for kel7col4
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Tue, 09-19-2006 - 3:15pm

I've never been diagnosed but I have been having anxiety issues or panic attacks for the last few years. Does she know what triggers hers? I HATE driving on the interstate - that is a major trigger for me. Could any of her meds for her other medical issues have anxiety and/or palpitations has a side effect? I know there are certains meds that I can't take. I don't really have any suggestions that having been suggested. I know I have been thinking of taking of meditation for mine. I think a counselor, if she is open to it, is a great idea.

Good luck to both of you and I wish her well!

Kim




iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2003
Tue, 09-19-2006 - 3:58pm

My daughter just turned 13 and over the past year was having extreme anxiety but not as severe as your daugther. She is a constant worrier and overachiever. It was at the point where I couldnt even leave the house without her worrying that something was going to happen to me. She also was scared to to go sleep in fear that someone would break in our house and I ended up sleeping with her every night just to get some rest. Anyway, she knew something was wrong with her and was receptive to counselling. We saw a psychologist which did help some but the psychologist suggested going to a psychiatrist to look into medicating her. She would have severe panic attacks - heart racing, sweating, etc.

I am NOT a believer in medicating kids unless its the last possible option. I went to a health food store and asked them if there for something herbal to try. She recommended something called Rescue Remedy. It has worked WONDERS for my daughter. Its made of oils of this flower and that (not really sure what is in it) but they take a few drops of it either alone or in a drink when they feel anxious or panicky - no maximum amount - whenever they need it. Since giving it to my daughter, she has had only one panic attack and it was very minor She used to take it nightly as thats when she would feel the most stress before bed but now doesnt take it at all. It has been a godsend! The link is below. Not sure if it was just a placebo with my daughter as she is quite young, but it totally turnaround our lives. It cost about $15 a bottle and lasts a long time. No side effects whatsoever.

My girlfriend used it on her 15 year old son when she saw the dramatic results with my daugther as he was having high anxiety and it helped him as well - not as dramatic with him but calmed him down. I'd say its worth a try with your DD.

http://www.bachflower.com/rescue_remedy.htm

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-08-2006
Tue, 09-19-2006 - 5:09pm
My son is 17 and experiences panic attacks also. I asked him what he has found that works as the breathing techniques only frustrated him more at a time when he didn't need it. He has explored different types of music as well as ......don't laugh...humming. It forces him to concentrate on his breathing but in a different way. I was surprised this works! The suggestion of humming was given to me by a prenatal nurse. When some babies are in incubaters,they grow accustom to certain noises.The sound of humming must mimic a safe calming sound. As for the music,sometimes my son goes into his room, closes his bedroom door and lays on his bed with his eyes closed. He has a couple songs that "pump him up".
I have also sought out ways to teach him to cope with stressful situations. The age your daughter is ,that is a time when alot is going on in her life that she can't control as well as her health. I have tried to give my son some coping skills and be there ALOT!
My songs that I have given my son to use during his panic attacks are:I'll Stand by You by the Pretenders,and Still On Your Side by BB Mak. Both of these songs are excellent to let your daughter know you are there with her all along. Good luck!