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Susan Landers, MD's avatar

Both of my girls had panic attacks, but not until they were much older, 16 and 18. Interestingly, each of them tended to reacted negatively to coming home from sleep-over camp. Once, the younger one said, “I wish that I could live forever at camp. Camp is my real home.” That particular transition is truly challenging for children, no matter their age. Sounds like you did a great job, calm mother, with your daughter!

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Kathryn Barbash, PsyD's avatar

Having walked many through panic attacks (professionally and personally) you did a great job of getting through a difficult moment. One of thing that can be helpful is reminding the person in a state of panic that a process has started and we will need to to ride it out and we will do it together, it's scary to feel like the experience won't ever stop and to know that it will is helpful. Squeezing is great (she has good instincts for what she needs) or pressing feet or hands into the ground or wall can also help someone feel more grounded or less in their head. Such a tough thing to watch someone you love in distress.

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