Concerned mom of 11yr old daughter

by Heather
(NY)

My 11yr old daughter suffered from the stomach bug twice this past winter and now is afraid every night she is going to get sick and miss something. She gets herself so worked up and cries. She gets up to go the bathroom continuously and is not sleeping well. She coughs and complains of a lump in her throat, pain in her chest and stomach. I have anxiety myself and am on Lexapro. I don't want to put her on this med or any med for fear of the suicidal risk. We have taken her to her Dr who ran all kinds of tests and said she is fine otherwise. I have gotten her guided imagery, talked to her, let her talk, tried everything. We are at a loss, any suggestions would be most helpful.

Thank you




Hi Heather


My advice would be that you get her therapy that 1) explores what form of anxiety is actually occuring 2)exposes her specifically to the fears she is having to teach her that they cant hurt her. Guided imagery can tbe great i


When chldren are afraid of something happening they develop avoidance mechanisms. This avoidance reinforces their anxiety. If she can learn to safely think about some of the things she is worried about rather than being fearful of it it may help to reduce her anxiety. I wouldnt try medication at all with a child without getting the best therapy you can. Sometimes anxiety treatment needs to be more agressive. I would ask about experience with systematic desensitization and imaginal exposure prior to finding an appropriate therapist.

Good luck to you!
Sincerely
Kristen McClure