Covid-19 and panic attacks in children

During this uncertain time one thing remains true, perspective is gained from both time and experience. Therefore, adults have it and children do not. As adults we are able to rationalise that this ‘social isolation’ will not last forever, and if we have to endure another 4 weeks or 4 months we will do what is required of us now in order to get us to a good place. However children have not had the time to gain perspective and are wondering; Why is school not on? Why do I have to be in so much? and most importantly so for them, Why can’t they play with their friends?

Their routines have changed so dramatically due to ‘lock down’, and children need routines to thrive! Mum and/or Dads have been home schooling their children. Parent(s) have become the after school, and weekend, play friends to their children who do not understand social distancing and why the play areas in the park are off limits. Children’s perspectives are so vastly different to ours, as adults, so it is clear to see why this ‘pandemic’ confuses them, and may cause them distress and ‘panic attacks’.

Confusion on a grand scale will affect the human brain in all manner of ways. Panic attacks are a type of fear response so when one becomes confused, inherently, this will increase the levels of stress you will experience.  Panic attacks are an exaggeration of your body’s atypical response to stress, danger or excitement.

For many they include a mix of the following below. During a panic attack the physical symptoms can come on and build up very quickly, to include:

• Racing heartbeat
• Feeling dizzy / faint
• Feeling either very hot or very cold
• Shaky legs that are turning into jelly
• Struggling to take a breath
• Dissociation – feelings of ‘being’ disconnected from your own mind, body and surroundings
• Feelings of no control

Be open and authentic with your child or children, whatever their ages. Talk about your own feelings. Do not choose to ‘put on a brave face’ and hide all your emotions from you kids. This will not help them long term. If you do not share your feelings, and have a ‘bad’ day for you then I can guarantee that this will affect your kids. If you’re anxious or worried then your children will be picking up on this ‘transmitting’ of emotions and will be feeding off of your negative state of mind, both physically and mentally. They too will feel your panic, which will inevitably lead to ‘panic attacks’. Instead help them to understand their feelings, to gain some perspective, with your help. Be REAL. Tell them when you are feeling stressed. You can say, “I am feeling stressed because I am getting used to this new routine”. This will give them some perspective and will teach them to be happy with  expressing and sharing their feelings. Implementing this, alongside being a good role model for them, it is a ‘win-win’ situation.

First off whatever happens, stay calm as your children will be sensitive to their parents feelings and mood. To help them during a panic attack you can try to:

• Get them to focus on their breathing – to slowly breath in through their nose for a count of 11 and out though their mouth for a count of 7.
• Get them to mimic you stamping on the spot, to help control their breathing, if focusing on their breath does not work to calm an attack.
• Introduce a new focus using their senses – for example grab their favourite soft toy so they can cuddle or touch it.

Fear can induce a panic attack within a person, and feeling afraid can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. So I believe the two are interlinked. During this time of isolation, a child may be experiencing intense fear from the ‘unknown’ of this current pandemic. This isolation time is not familiar to them, or to us as adults. Children in ‘lock down’ will have no frame of reference or to know when their normal routine will recommence. Also children usually look to an adult for guidance, of which we also have no prior experience of a global pandemic, so they will be fearful and will pick up on adults innate fears. This is a given. I can tell you dear reader, that intense fear is actually known to trigger a panic attack, and that a panic attack also comes about when something reminds you of a traumatic event. So if your child is ‘panic attack’ free during isolation, please be on the lookout for signs of it in the months to come post lock down. They may exhibit signs of panic attacks once out of lock down, in response to something reminding them of their ‘lockdown trauma’. I truly believe that panic attacks are associated with the PTSD of this pandemic, and they will become standard. I can help you and your children to overcome this now and in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me for any advice. I offer free 10 minute telephone consultations. If you need me I am only at the end of a contact form at www.lynnesnook.com