Child anxiety help
Discussion
A friend of mine is at rock bottom with an 12 year old boy that is having problems with anxiety.
It started with a small fear of being alone which seemed normal when younger however it has recently got worse and escalated to such a degree that he can't go to bed or shower by himself now.
They can't help think that he is now using this as way to control situations and has got so bad it is effecting the whole family.
They have spoken to the GP who is going to speak to the child and try and refer him to someone who can help however does anyone have any short term advice to offer?
It started with a small fear of being alone which seemed normal when younger however it has recently got worse and escalated to such a degree that he can't go to bed or shower by himself now.
They can't help think that he is now using this as way to control situations and has got so bad it is effecting the whole family.
They have spoken to the GP who is going to speak to the child and try and refer him to someone who can help however does anyone have any short term advice to offer?
Talk to GP, talk to school too, do NOT force it as this could cause truly huge longterm problems if they/their little lad are unlucky.
The GP referral will/should be to CAMHS, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, who should be able to help.
Reassure him lots, don't make promises they can't keep (eg "we won't ever leave you alone"), be honest about where going and how long. I'd possibly wonder about something like a cheap pair of walkie-talkies if it helps him feel safer going to bed.
It's a possible warning sign that this kid has experienced something Not Good - CAMHS will have a gentle explore of that one. If there are any after-school activities he's suddenly desperate not to go to, anything like that, I'd be inclined to go with it for now.
The GP referral will/should be to CAMHS, the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, who should be able to help.
Reassure him lots, don't make promises they can't keep (eg "we won't ever leave you alone"), be honest about where going and how long. I'd possibly wonder about something like a cheap pair of walkie-talkies if it helps him feel safer going to bed.
It's a possible warning sign that this kid has experienced something Not Good - CAMHS will have a gentle explore of that one. If there are any after-school activities he's suddenly desperate not to go to, anything like that, I'd be inclined to go with it for now.
Thanks for the advice.
Regarding calling his bluff, he starts to have mild panic attacks when left alone. They have tried punishing him (early on) which didn't work. (A main problem was he wouldn't go asleep if left alone) however now 'going with it' and looking for help via the GP.
They have got a few books online regarding child anxiety / fear hopefully there might be some good advice short term as after the next assessment with the GP it might take a while for the referral.
You mention about a trigger, it did get a lot worse after watching a scare video on you tube (you know the one where a face jumps out after a while) which they think is the incident that made it get a lot worse. The child uses the computer (not unsupervised) but I guess that is the problem with looking at you tube clips...
Regarding calling his bluff, he starts to have mild panic attacks when left alone. They have tried punishing him (early on) which didn't work. (A main problem was he wouldn't go asleep if left alone) however now 'going with it' and looking for help via the GP.
They have got a few books online regarding child anxiety / fear hopefully there might be some good advice short term as after the next assessment with the GP it might take a while for the referral.
You mention about a trigger, it did get a lot worse after watching a scare video on you tube (you know the one where a face jumps out after a while) which they think is the incident that made it get a lot worse. The child uses the computer (not unsupervised) but I guess that is the problem with looking at you tube clips...
Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff