Recently Faith had an anxiety attack while in Kindergarten class. A few days before this happened, she was sick in school and vomited on the floor. I picked her up from school that day and spent the weekend babying her. She had a mild case of the flu.
When she went back to school, she had an anxiety attack, and of course, had no idea what was going on. She told her teacher she felt sick, that her tummy hurt and she might throw up. Her face was pale white, and she was trembling according to her teacher and nurse. I picked her up again that day.
At first I didn’t realize it was an anxiety attack. I thought she just wasn’t fully over her sickness. She ended up having another small anxiety attack in school the next day and I picked her up again :(
One weekend, Faith was sitting on the couch next to me. I was talking to hubby about work. Suddenly Faith rested her head on my arm and said she didn’t feel good. She looked frightened. Her face was pale. Her pupils were dilated. She was clammy and her heart was racing. I knew right away she was having a panic attack. It came on all of the sudden. No warning. I finally saw for myself what she had experienced in school. I began talking to her calmly. Soothing her with comforting words. “It’s ok, Faith.” “I understand how you feel.” “I know it’s a yucky feeling you’re having, but it will pass.” I held her close. I kept assuring her that she will be ok.
I have had anxiety attacks myself during my adolescence. However, I have never had that panicking feeling consume me while in elementary school. I feel so sad that Faith has experienced this at such a young age.
I can only assume that this has been caused by her getting sick in school. Now, she is afraid to get sick again in school. There have been a few times when she would just nibble on her food at school. She tells me, “I’m afraid if I eat too much, my tummy will hurt.”
We are keeping a close eye on her. I have discussed everything with her teachers and nurse. They are aware of her anxiety. We are hoping it will pass in time. If not, we will discuss the next step to take with her pediatrician.
My tough girl.
