Panic attacks can come out of nowhere, making it feel like an elephant is sitting on your chest and like you have no control over anything. You might feel confused, disoriented, or like you’re spiraling into a hole you can’t dig out of. Watching your child deal with a panic attack can also be alarming. You want to help, but you might not know what to do. Panic attacks in teens are intimidating, overwhelming, and scary, but there are some things you can do to support your child when they experience one.

Adolescent panic disorder treatment at Family First focuses on helping each teen recognize the signs of a panic attack, manage their anxiety, and learn to cope with their triggers rather than avoid them. Our program also supports parents as they learn to help teens through panic episodes and go about their lives. Call 888.904.5947 to get the help your family needs.

Panic Attacks: Sudden, Intense, Scary

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear or discomfort that are overwhelming and sometimes debilitating. They often strike without warning and can significantly impact a teen’s daily life, school performance, and social interactions. During these critical teenage years, managing these attacks can help your child move forward without being stuck in fear.

Symptoms of Teenage Panic Attacks

Your teen might not know how to describe a panic attack when it happens. They might feel like they can’t breathe or move; they might even feel like they’re dying. But panic attacks are identifiable, and common symptoms include:

• Sudden and intense fear or discomfort
• Racing heart, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Trembling or shaking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Choking sensation
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes

During and soon after a panic attack, your teen will likely also be afraid that they’ll have another one—like it’s inescapable. Even for a while after the attack, they might be anxious about returning to a place or situation that caused it. They may avoid social interactions or refuse to go to school for fear of having another one or losing control around people they’re not comfortable with.

What to Do When Your Teen Has a Panic Attack

When your teen is in the midst of a panic attack, immediate, calm, and reassuring actions are essential:

• Stay calm – Your demeanor can significantly influence your teen’s ability to calm down. Maintain a composed and supportive presence.
• Encourage controlled breathing – Guide them through slow, deep breaths to help regulate their breathing. Deep, regular breaths can help the body recognize that there is no real threat.
• Provide reassurance – Remind them that the panic attack will pass and that they are safe. They won’t be able to recognize that nothing is truly a threat to them, but your words can remind them that they are not alone and that this won’t last forever.
• Create a safe space – If possible, remove them from any stressful environment if possible and find a quiet place to sit. A calm environment can significantly reduce the intensity of a panic attack. If you can’t leave the environment, try creating a smaller space with just you and your child where they can feel safe and supported.

In the long run, you should also encourage your teen not to avoid the situation or environment that triggered the panic attack. Complete avoidance will only reinforce anxious feelings and make it more challenging to manage panic attacks in the future. Instead, help them face their fears gradually and provide support through the process.

Finding Professional Help

You might not have all the tools needed to help your teen manage their panic attacks and anxiety—that’s okay. Help is available, and it’s effective. Evidence-based treatment is useful in helping lessen the severity of panic attacks and reduce their frequency. It can also ease the anxiety that’s felt around triggers.

• Talk therapy – Therapists work individually with teens, in groups, and in family sessions to help them understand and manage their panic attacks. They’ll use different methods, like cognitive-behavioral therapy, to teach coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety.
• Experiential therapies – Working with horses, painting, and even exercise can ease anxiety and help teens explore their anxiety without words. Therapists lead sessions as teens think of their stress in new ways, which can help develop coping abilities.
• Stigma reduction – Helping your teen realize they are not alone and that many struggle with similar challenges can be the biggest reassurance of all. It can help reduce shame, encourage healing, and provide a supportive community.

Medication may also be a part of panic disorder treatment for many teens. You and your teen will work closely with a provider to discuss the best course of action based on their needs.

Reach Out to Family First for Teen Panic Disorder Help

Family First is committed to helping teens and their families heal from panic attacks through personalized treatment plans, evidence-based practices, and ongoing support. Our team understands that each family’s needs are unique, and we strive to provide individualized care for every teen who comes through our doors. Contact us online or at 888.904.5947 to help your teen find a better way forward.