Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

What do I do when a parent unknowingly prolongs a Panic Attack?

7 Answers
Last Updated: 03/02/2020 at 12:47am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Polly Letsch, LCSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I provide non-judgmental, person-centered, objective therapeutic treatment for individuals of all ages to improve social, emotional, mental and other areas of functioning.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
January 23rd, 2015 2:17am
Children usually have a tough time verbalizing what they really want to say, their thoughts and their emotions. When a child or adolescent deals with anxiety, the expression is in their behavior. Parents need to look for warning signs of anxiety and look for triggers that sets anxiety off within their children. Parents also need to step away from the situation and undo any pressure they have put on the child.
Turtrox
January 31st, 2015 1:50pm
Tell them! It is a because they are 'unknowing' that it happens. No parent would want to purposely do that to their child :)
HealingLotus
May 5th, 2015 6:19am
Be honest with them. Nothing is going to get done if we aren't honest and communicate to the people who are hurting us.
DragonFlyQueen
June 17th, 2015 11:24pm
It's important that you make them aware of the situation, tell them what's going on. Maybe they can leave you alone for a bit, or help you calm down. They won't realize what they're doing unless you tell them.
gigantIceCream37
July 28th, 2015 6:34am
try to distract that person by making her/hi, to do simple things but requiring to be tire like making him/her to streaches his/her hands over his/her head
Clouder
August 1st, 2015 10:42am
The best time to talk to your parents (or any one else) about how to support you through your panic attacks is before you have one. Find a time when you're relatively calm and think about what specific things you'd like your parent to do. For example, they could remind you to breathe, give you some space, or rest their hand on your back. If you don't yet know what works for you, suggest something they could try next time and see how it goes. Having someone in your corner can make such a difference, so it's worth having an open conversation and making a plan together. That way, when panic attacks happen, your parent can be less of a hindrance and more of a help.
wildghostmemories
March 2nd, 2020 12:47am
That sounds like a really stressful situation to be in. Do you feel like you can talk to your parent about this? You said that they "unknowingly" add to it, maybe if you explained to them how you feel in that situation or why you need to be removed/in a safe place from it that could help. Having panic attacks can be really scary and overwhelming and it seems like it would be even more of a challenge to try and keep a brave face on for the parent. If you want to role play talking to them about it or brainstorm ways to help yourself when you are feeling that way please reach out.

Read more about Panic Attacks in our Panic Attacks Forums