Hello Concernedparent and welcome to Beyond Blue forums
Anxiety can be quite debilitating, though it is manageable. I do feel for you and your son. I'm so pleased you've found your way to our community of caring, friendly, supportive and non judgmental people.
Unfortunately, I do not have young children, though I have lived with anxiety for over 50 years and thought I respond until someone who does and has had a similar experience passes your post.
It's good to hear you've taken him to a psychologist who has indicated it is very mild. What sort of techniques did the psych offer you and your son to manage when he goes into a panic attack? I use techniques like those listed in the thread Tips for Managing Anxiety. You can find it by doing a search in BB or you can go to the Anxiety forum - the thread is pinned to the top of the page. Generally, I don't take any medication, either prescribed, over the counter or natural medication.
I'm not a health professional, but from my own experience, it is good to try to find out the source of the fear. I know a friend of mine has a child who doesn't like storms either and it has progressively increased. Her's stems from news reports on tv apparently. Some news reporting is very emotive and can be very frightening, especially during cyclones and floods. My friend is also taking her daughter to a psych to see if this can help. I understand she is trying to use distraction techniques, that's difficult though when he's on the soccer field hey? If it were me I'd reduce exposure to critical weather reports, try to find out why or what started the fear 3-4 years ago. Maybe the psych can do something along these lines, as well as desensitisation therapy?
I can't recommend any type of natural medication. Have you thought about or tried a naturopath?
Maybe there are other posters out there listening that can help?
Keep reaching out if and when you want to Concernedparent. You're not alone.
Kind regards
PamelaR
