How to Handle Panic Attacks in Children
As parents, it is difficult to see your children battle with panic attacks that seem to suck the energy and life out of them. You need to understand how it is for them to feel the way they feel and how they act the way they do after experiencing an attack. They might do peculiar things after an attack which is why you need to prepare yourself for them.
Panic attacks manifest in a way that the person will become hyperactive. The other manifestations of hyperactivity are due to adrenaline rush. The attacks may also be caused by distress and anxiety which can be triggered by a number of factors. Adrenaline is produced and thus, panic attacks occur due to the following factors:
1. Physical factors – low blood pressure or dieting.
2. Spiritual factors – death or despair.
3. Emotional factors – any happening that causes depression and anxiety.
4. Physical and emotional factors – muscle spasm, hyperventilation, phobia, or exhausted nerves.
There are also other explanations why panic attacks happen to one person and not in another. Here are some of the most cited reasons.
1. It is observed that most people who experience panic attacks inherit them from someone in their family tree. These attacks are usually evident during life-changing moments, such as death of someone in the family. Your children’s panic attacks may also be triggered by some events that brought about trauma.
2. Some patients who have panic attacks are also found to have vitamin deficiency, which is usually Vitamin B. Thus, you can help prevent their attacks by giving them vitamins and other supplements everyday.
The symptoms of children and other people who have panic attacks are rapid heartbeat, trembling, dizziness, extreme fear, and anxiety. They may also include hyperventilation, cold sweat, elevated heart rate, or a state of being jumpy. These symptoms may be experienced by the patient in five to ten minutes.
However, others may have attacks for longer periods of time, such as suffering from them everyday. To stop these attacks, develop some fun physical activities with your children. These can distract them from anxious thoughts.
You should also take them to doctors whom they are comfortable with. Feed them healthy meals daily. Open your communication to them about the attacks. Assure them that they are not alone. During attacks, immediately comfort them. This way, the cycle might be broken. They will eventually learn how to stay close to reality and close to you.
