Helping a child experiencing a panic attack

When I was in first grade, I rode a bicycle with friends. Suddenly the wheel of my bike hit a stone. I flew over the steering wheel and fell, hitting my chin. In fact, I was not hurt. However, when I saw that I was bleeding, I started screaming. I did not scream from pain – I was scared.

When my parents came to the rescue, I started a real panic. I saw fear on my dad’s face, which was running towards me. Then we went to the hospital.

I will never forget this trip. I sat on my mother’s lap, and dad drove the car. Mom consoled me with all her might, but I could no longer perceive them. I was overwhelmed with panic, and in the end I cried out: “I hate my bike, I hate hospitals, I hate driving a car, I hate you!” Yeah, it was a fun trip for my parents.

Now, when I work as a psychologist, I understand that a child experiencing a panic attack cannot be reassured with the help of logical beliefs. Fear completely paralyzes a person’s ability to reason, and he is in the grip of emotions. Continue reading →