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⚠️Identifying a Panic Attack
Panic attacks often happen unexpectedly, though they can be triggered by stress. Look for these signs:
- The Breathing: Hyperventilation (fast, deep, desperate breathing).
- The Heart: Fast heart rate or pounding chest.
- The Feeling: Dizziness, shaking, or a sensation of “doom” (feeling like they are going to die).
- The Duration: It usually peaks and resolves within 10-20 minutes.
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🏠Immediate Home Care (How to Stop the Attack)
If your child is in the middle of an attack, your goal is to help them slow their body down.
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🚨 When to Get Help
Call 911 Now
- Severe trouble breathing (struggling for each breath, cannot speak).
- Child acts confused or does not make sense.
- You suspect a life-threatening medical emergency.
Call 988 or Go to ER
- Your child is very upset and cannot be calmed down after 30 minutes.
- You are afraid they might hurt themselves.
- They have had attacks before, but your usual care methods aren’t working.
Contact in 24hrs
- Anxiety is keeping them from school, sleep, or hanging out with friends.
- You want a referral to a counselor (Cognitive Behavior Therapy is very effective).
- You suspect this is a new problem that has never been diagnosed.
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Prevention & Triggers
If these attacks happen more than once, you need a plan.
- Find the Trigger: Keep a diary. Write down what happened just before the attack. Was it a specific social setting? A school deadline?
- Cut Caffeine: Coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks are stimulants that can trigger or worsen anxiety.
- Sleep & Exercise: A well-rested body (8+ hours of sleep) and daily exercise are the best natural defenses against stress.