Overview

During a panic attack, your child may have a feeling of intense fear or terror, trouble breathing, chest pain or tightness, heartbeat changes, dizziness, sweating, and shaking. A panic attack starts suddenly and usually lasts from 5 to 20 minutes but may last even longer. An attack can begin with a stressful event. Or it can happen without a cause.

Although panic attacks can cause scary symptoms, you can learn to help your child manage them with self-care, counselling, and medicine.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Have your child take medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse advice line if you think your child is having a problem with a medicine.
• Make sure your child goes to all counselling sessions and follow-up appointments.
• Help your child recognize and accept their anxiety. Your child needs to learn that when faced with a situation that causes anxiety, it can help to say, "This is not an emergency. I feel uncomfortable, but I am not in danger. I can keep going even if I feel anxious."
• Help your child learn to be kind to their body. Teach your child to:
  • Relieve tension with exercise or a massage.
  • Get enough rest.
  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and illegal drugs. They can increase your child's anxiety level, cause sleep problems, or trigger a panic attack.
  • Learn and do relaxation techniques.
• Help your child learn to engage their mind. Have your child get out and do something fun. Go to a funny movie, or take a walk or hike. Having too much or too little to do can make your child anxious.
• Keep a record of your child's symptoms. Encourage your child to discuss any fears with a good friend or family member. Teens may be able to join a support group for teens with similar problems. Talking to others sometimes relieves stress.
• Encourage your child to be active for at least an hour each day. Your child may like to take a walk with you, ride a bike, or play sports.