- Why do we find it so difficult to control anxiety?
- What triggers an anxiety attack, both emotionally and physically?
- What are the first symptoms?
- Can an anxiety attack be prevented?
- If we start to notice the first symptoms, what should we do?
- Are the symptoms the same for everyone? In other words, if we've had one anxiety attack, should we look for the same symptoms to detect a second one?
- What should we never do if we are having an anxiety attack?
- What should I do to avoid self-harm when I have an anxiety attack?
- How can we help someone having an anxiety attack? Should we give them space, or should we hug and comfort them?
- Can everyone have an anxiety attack, or are some people more prone to it?
- What guidelines do you give to prevent anxiety attacks?
- Are the symptoms of an anxiety attack in children different from those in adults?
- What tools can we apply during an anxiety crisis manifested by stomach pain, vomiting, or crying that can cause a rapid mood improvement in a 12-year-old adolescent girl?
- Is there a phrase or keyword that can help someone experiencing a crisis? If we agree on that phrase or word with them beforehand, can it help?
- Which people are more likely to experience anxiety before an exam or a job interview?
- Can an anxiety attack cause a rise in blood pressure?
- If we have persistent anxiety attacks over time, can we develop heart problems?
- Can an anxiety attack be masking a physical ailment? How can we tell if physical pain is truly caused by anxiety?
- In the event of an anxiety attack during a game or sporting competition, how should the coaches act?
- What is the relationship between anxiety and social phobia?
- As nurses, how can we help in an anxiety crisis?
- Often we're tempted to intervene, but sometimes less is more... And I understand that someone experiencing an anxiety attack also needs their space. What do you recommend not doing? What mistakes do you think healthcare professionals make most frequently?
- How can we manage an anxiety attack in the 10 or 12 minutes we have available in a consultation to see patients? Are there any express tools for professional support and help?
What tools can we apply during an anxiety crisis manifested by stomach pain, vomiting, or crying that can cause a rapid mood improvement in a 12-year-old adolescent girl?
Anxiety in childhood and adolescence is generally manifested through cognitive symptoms, such as fears, negative or unpleasant thoughts, or more physical symptoms, such as gastrointestinal discomfort (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or sometimes overeating), when children and adolescents are unable to put words to or identify their discomfort. Therefore, it is very important that parents first recognize this emotional distress.
In the event of a crisis, it's important to support the teenager by naming each of the physical symptoms that appear and linking them to possible psychological distress (worry, restlessness, anxiety). Do this openly. If the teenager seems overwhelmed, you can help them breathe deeply, focusing their attention on the rhythm of their breath.
Although seeing their children suffer may lead parents to seek a quick solution, it's important for them to convey a message of reassurance, explaining that these episodes will subside, and remaining with them at all times, maintaining a trusting and secure demeanor. It's best not to overreact to this distress or try to find a quick fix.
In any case, it is important to contact the reference health professional (pediatrician, if under 15 years of age, or family doctor, from 15 years of age onwards) to assess what type of intervention should be carried out.
