Worried mum

[Worriedmum]

My almost 16yo daughter is suffering anxiety. I have taken her to our GP who didn’t really address the anxiety even though after questions stated she scored high for anxiety, depression and stress.

My daughter has admitted to having an eating disorder(restrictive intake) and is seeing someone about this. Slowly making progress. 
I don’t know how to deal with this anxiety problem. I’ve tried to get her to focus on things she enjoys, focus on her breathing, control her thoughts etc but gets herself into a state where she thinks she’s going to suffer a medical emergency because she feels unwell when the anxiety strikes. 
I don’t know what to do to help her through this.. should I be seeking another medical opinion? Pushing for medication? I really don’t know 

[Ranga-1]

Hello, Worriedmum. 

This is a very stressful time for you and congratulate yourself on being a caring mum who's helping her daughter. Also, congratulate your daughter on recognising she has a problem and being willing to deal with it.

It DOES feel like there's going to be a medical emergency when anxiety strikes - it's the nature of the insidious beast. Remind her this is how anxiety operates - it makes the sufferer think this. 

Your daughter could contact Headspace or the Kids Help Line for assistance. 

Also, it might very well be worth contacting another GP who will listen to the concerns and devise a mental health care plan and referral to a psychologist to help your daughter. Maybe get your daughter to get some exercise - a simple walk in the fresh air and sunshine. How about some other distraction strategies - a game of cards or completing a crossword puzzle together?

Good luck with it.

[Worriedmum]

Thank you so much for your support. She has an eating disorder plan atm so I can’t get a mental health one however I’m looking how I can incorporate the two. 
I have tried to distract her and encourage to exercise. I will keep trying.