About ADAA / FAQ / Press Room / Donate
9 year old daughter has Selective Mutism/ GAD and now Panic
Wed, 2012-01-11 11:17 | by neidenn
My daughter has always been a high maintenence child. She was diagnosed 2 years ago with Selective Mutism and GAD by a Licensed Clinician. She wouldn't speak in school and wouldn't participate in any activities she felt would embarrass her or put her in the spotlight. As a baby, she was the type of child who clung to you. She would scream in the car in her carseat because I was "going too fast". She didn't like her picture taken and would shy away from anything that put the attention on her. School became difficult as she got older. By second grade she wasn't speaking to her teachers or classmates and refused to participate in gym for fear of falling and hurting herself. She has a phobia of vomiting, falling and pain. This is not easy. The latest thing to be added to her problems is panic attacks. I am in the process of looking for a child psychiatrist because I think the time to medicate has come. I wish I could find an alternative. She already sees a therapist every 2 weeks to discuss what she needs to. Am I alone? I feel alone. She is such a helpful, funny, witty loveable child. Why can't she see what we see outside of the anxiety? Her self-esteem is almost non-existent. We praise her and tell her how beautiful and good she is. I'm dying inside. I have lost my temper with her at times and I'm sure that doesn't help her anxiety. But the truth is she can be extremely difficult. Can someone give me some advice or hope? I guess I'm the one who needs support. :(
You are not alone
I have a five year old going through extreme difficulty with high anxiety. She has not been formally diagnosed but we recently began therapy. I think that children have a tough time dealing with the results of their own emotions. When I am upset I may cry but I can also express to someone why I am upset. As parents we do need support and we don't need to feel alone. What has been going on with us has been painful for me to watch. I too have lost my temper due to my own high frustration level. Do you have someone you can talk with about your own feelings about this? Close friends, your own doctor maybe? I have a therapist because I have struggled with depression over the past year. Parents need to take care of themselves in order to give good care. Like the flight attendant tells you on an airplane, "Put on your own mask first before helping the person next to you.". I feel that my own daughter has been difficult at times too. Its ok to need and want support. I am not a medical professional but if you feel that your next step is medication you can always just talk with a doctor before you make any decision. just because the doctor suggests it it doesnt mean you have to do it. you have a choice. Have you looked into diet modification? I am not a health food nut but I think there is research out there on different foods and how they can help with moods. I hope you will find something that works well for your daughter and family. take care of yourself and make sure to put your mask on first. I hope this helped at least a little. I feel a little better knowing other people are faced with similar challenges.