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Anxiety Struggles

Anxy73

Hi everyone. 

This is my first post and I'm not too sure where to start.

My 16 year old was diagnosed back in year 8 and we've been struggling to find support from anyone in our area.

The best way to describe it is that he's living in a 24/7 panic attack.

He suffers from terrible anxiety and hasn't been in a classroom in 3 years, or. Mixed with anyone his own age. He couldn't sit his GCSES due to this and the cances of us getting him to physically go to college are slim to none as it's getting to the stage He can't leave the house. 

Our GP has been no help. He's just told us to basically crack on unt he's 18 and then they can give him anxiety meds.

Any suggestions would be hugely appreciated,  as I'm not sure how to help him going forward and, if I'm honest, it's breaking me 

Thanks xx

Parents

  • The normal advice for panic attacks which I am sure you are aware of is to breathe deeply so I think I would try in the first instance looking into various breathing exercises to see whether they help or not. Initially they may just treat the physical symptoms but in time they may also help with what’s causing the attacks.

    The big advantage of breathing exercises over meds is no (or minimal) side effects.

    As far as leaving the house is concerned the normal approach is little and often and gradually build up the distance he is able to go from the house. You could start with as short a distance as your front gate, the end of the block, the end of the street etc.

    Does he mix with anyone his own age online?

    These days especially after COVID there are more and more resources online so he may be able to study online / you may be able to home school him depending on your circumstances. In due course there are also organisations such as the Open University although a lot of universities probably offer some courses online.

    I hesitate to say this because not all autistic people have special / particular interests but does he have any special / particular interests? Basically the idea / recommendation if at all possible is to work with the interest instead of against the interest.

Reply

  • The normal advice for panic attacks which I am sure you are aware of is to breathe deeply so I think I would try in the first instance looking into various breathing exercises to see whether they help or not. Initially they may just treat the physical symptoms but in time they may also help with what’s causing the attacks.

    The big advantage of breathing exercises over meds is no (or minimal) side effects.

    As far as leaving the house is concerned the normal approach is little and often and gradually build up the distance he is able to go from the house. You could start with as short a distance as your front gate, the end of the block, the end of the street etc.

    Does he mix with anyone his own age online?

    These days especially after COVID there are more and more resources online so he may be able to study online / you may be able to home school him depending on your circumstances. In due course there are also organisations such as the Open University although a lot of universities probably offer some courses online.

    I hesitate to say this because not all autistic people have special / particular interests but does he have any special / particular interests? Basically the idea / recommendation if at all possible is to work with the interest instead of against the interest.

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