There is a common misconception that children’s panic attacks do not exist. Many people assume that children are so far removed from the stresses and strains of adult life that they couldn’t possibly suffer anxiety in the same way that grownups do.
Unfortunately this belief is false. There are a great many children with panic attacks and anxiety issues, however the actual symptoms and reasons for the episodes do differ from what adults with the same disorder experience. No parent wants to see their child in pain or distress, and that is why having a child that suffers from panic attacks and anxiety can be so upsetting for the parents.
So how can we recognize children’s panic attacks, and what can be done about them?
Symptoms of anxiety will vary from child to child, and will depend on what has triggered the episode in the first place, as well as the age of the child. Generally symptoms will range from crying and tantrums, to actual shaking and sweating. What are the possible causes of such symptoms in children?
Some of the most commonly occurring reasons for children with panic attacks are:
Separation anxiety
This is where the child cannot bear to be separated from their parents even for a short period of time. Even if they are left in the next room and can hear their parents an episode can be triggered.
Imagined fear
Children’s minds work very differently to an adult. They are not yet able to rationalize like we can and may become very frightened by something that we perceive to be incidental. A very young child who has a nasty shock when a balloon pops near to them may become very stressed when they encounter balloons in future.
They can also create things in their head that do not really exist. Monsters under the bed for instance. As adults we know that such things do not exist yet in the mind of a child they can be very real and absolutely terrifying.
Social anxiety
Although most children are quite confident and down to earth, there are many who find it very hard to mix with other children. This makes going to school very distressing for a child with this sort of anxiety.
They may often pretend to be ill in order to avoid the situation, and can become very upset and tearful when mum or dad takes them to the school gates. Making friends is also very difficult which can often make the situation worse as the child begins to feel isolated. So what can you do?
The first thing you need to do is to try and identify what is causing your child’s anxiety. Look for patterns in behavior and try to spot what it is that triggers the situations. Sit down and try as best possible with your child what upsets them or is making them scared.
Often if it is something simple you may be able to help them yourself with steps like positive reinforcement, rewards, and some general fun time and reassurance. If however you think you have a more serious issue then the best thing you can do is seek the help of a professional. Children’ panic attacks can be cured almost totally with the right treatment, so it makes sense to get help as early as possible to avoid the situation worsening.