Back to school and feeling sick!

[Lukezed]

My 13yo son started high school last year and just before mid year developed anxiety which prevented him from attending school on a regular basis. When I say regular I mean he missed probably six months of the year and all of last term. I am sitting here waiting now on the first day of the school year for him to wake up to see what the day is going to bring. I have tried not to get my hopes up with all of our positive back to school conversations we have had in the last week. My own anxiety is sky rocketing and feeling my own sense of sick. To all of my fellow back to school mums, be it first timers or those lining up for the last time, you are not alone! After today the "first" day of school is over for the year!

[Zeal]

Hi Luke,

Welcome to the forum!

I'm sorry to hear about your teenage son's debilitating anxiety. I hope his first day was manageable, and that this year goes a bit more smoothly than the last.

Was he diagnosed by your GP or another professional? Going to (or back to) his GP for advice and support is crucial. If he gets the help he needs now, it will give him an edge over his anxiety and hopefully reduce its severity and his symptoms. If you are struggling to handle the stress of seeing your son so distressed, perhaps talking to your GP or to a counsellor/support worker would be beneficial. Open up to close family members, such as siblings, cousins, or your Mum - and maybe one or two close friends.

Having a strong support network is really helpful, and makes all the difference. Even if the support is just from a few people.

Best wishes,

SM

[Lukezed]

Thanks SM for your words of support. He smashed out the first day like it was nothing however day 2, today, was a different story as he only managed to stay for 1/2 hour. He was diagnosed by GP and then referred to psychologist who he visited a couple of times and then refused to go. We left it for a while and then tried another and he still refused to go and even today does not want to see anyone to talk about it. He has gotten better talking to his dad and I about what he is thinking and feeling. The school he is at is extremely supportive but we need advice on how to get him to speak to someone to provide him with some tools. He has come a long way but there is still a way to go.

[nat_at_gp]

I know exactly what you are going thru.  My son is a bright boy who has done very well academically at school but since becoming anxious and depressed getting him there is a big challenge.  I never know whether he'll go or not.  Some nights he can't sleep worrying about school.  THis year he tried to go on the first day and made it but then dodn't go again for the next 2 weeks.  I have finally enrolled him in another school  and he seems happier there but still not able to go each day.   I used to get cross at him but now I let him decide if he'll go and try and support him every way I can.  He spends ages in the toilet feeling sich and nervy and often runs so late, which makjes the whole morning routine a bit chaotic.  Yes I know what it feels like too when they won't talk and you have noidea whats going on in their heads!!! My son hasn't found the psychologist hes seen very helpful either, but he has read some stuff I printed on line.  He is keen to talk to other kids who are going thru the same thing.  I really hope things improved for you and send my kindest regards. hugs

[blondguy]

Hi Luke

Same here but with my daughter. I know the pain your family (and your son) is going through.

If I may ask you...and SM was spot on here..Can you get your son back to that GP? Even regular 'baby step' visits will be a huge help to him now. Its just my humble opinion but at least once a fortnight so your son can start to 'see' that anxiety is made up of bad 'feelings' and happens to 'other kids' as well. It should be able to reduce his fear, even a little would be 'a lot' right now.

Also..How is your son's sleep? As in quality of?

Thankyou for having the Courage to post Lukezed

Paul