Living with panic attacks can be devastating without the proper support. It can lead to social isolation, low self-esteem, and suicidal thoughts. Finding panic attack treatment for your child could save their life. It can give your teen the tools he needs to heal and begin a healthier and happier lifestyle. Contact Foothills at Red Oak Recovery at 866.300.5275 if your teen boy needs help managing panic attacks or a panic disorder.

What Is a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks come on suddenly and unexpectedly and cause uncontrollable physical reactions that can be frightening. Many people have experienced panic attacks during their lifetimes. Extreme stress, such as when a loved one dies, can trigger panic. A panic attack is a rare occurrence for most people, but those who have recurrent panic attacks live in a state of almost constant anxiety, waiting for the next one to happen. Panic attacks vary in severity and length, but in most cases, they are over in minutes. They can come at any time and typically occur without warning. A teen may be hanging out with friends, doing homework, or having dinner when an attack comes. There’s usually no obvious or apparent reason for the attack, and it’s not in their control.

Symptoms of Panic Attacks in Teens

Symptoms of panic attacks may not be the same for any two people, and not everyone experiences all of the symptoms at once. However, the most common signs of a panic attack include:

• Trembling, shaking
• Chest pain
• Fear of losing control or dying
• Headache
• Dizziness, lightheadedness
• Nausea
• Chills or hot flashes

Teens may also be concerned about panic attacks happening in public, especially in front of their peers. The constant worry about when and where an attack might happen increases anxiety levels and the chances of an attack.

What Causes Panic Attacks in Teens?

Doctors don’t completely understand what causes panic attacks in teens. A teen’s genetics, changes in brain function, stress levels, temperament, and environmental factors all contribute to their mental health. The body’s natural fight-or-flight response may be more active in people who have panic attacks. However, it is still unknown why the fight-or-flight reaction occurs when no danger exists.

How You Can Help

The most important thing you can do to help a teen with panic attacks is to educate yourself. The more you understand the disorder, the better position you will be in to help. Understanding that panic attacks do not put teens in physical danger and that they are not something a teen can control will make you a better source of support.

Practicing relaxation techniques with your teen may also be helpful. Doing deep-breathing exercises, daily meditation, or yoga can help decrease anxiety in general and will improve your teen’s sense of self-control.

During a teen’s panic attack, you can help by:

• Staying calm, modeling calm behavior
• Reminding your teen the panic can’t hurt them
• Keeping your teen focused on their breathing
• Counting to ten, reciting a prayer, song lyrics, or the alphabet — to help the mind shift its attention
• Changing the environment — move to a quieter space

Onlookers should always take panic attacks in teens seriously. If your teen is experiencing unusual levels of anxiety or has had more than one panic attack, get them professional help.

Foothills at Red Oak Recovery Offers Treatment for Panic Attacks in Teens

Even occasional panic attacks in teens can lead to a panic disorder or other mental health concerns. Don’t wait until the problem makes your child’s life unmanageable. Call Foothills at Red Oak Recovery today at 866.300.5275 for more information about our treatment options for adolescent boys.