my 11 years old daughter with separation anxiety

egyptian_writer · ‎20-11-2019

we moved to AUSTRALIA only 15 months ago... it was a hard time but my daughter was amazing and did'nt show any troubles...now after everything started to get settled ,she doesnt sleep at all and sleeping time means panic attacks and hours of crying . as adviced from a friend i took her twice to hypnotherapist . the crying stopped but still not sleeping good. the therapist said she doesnt see any positive thing about her life but me and she scared she would fall asleep find me disappear. idont know anything here and im struggling any advice?

Aaronsis · ‎20-11-2019

Hello egyptian_writer

Welcome to the forum and also indeed welcome to Australia. It is so very difficult moving to a new place let alone a new country, we moved to Thailand to live for 6 years so I totally understand trying to integrate into a whole new way of life. It is so great that you have found your way here for some support and some comfort in what is a very concerning time for you as a parent.

It is great that the hypnotherapist was able to help your daughter with the crying but I think she might need another level of support, like seeing a doctor, general practitioner. She may also benefit from talking to someone like a counsellor, the school that she is attending might have someone that you can get to chat to your daughter to help her settle into this really distressing time for her.

It is hard being a young adult, let alone moving to another country and trying to manage it all and fitting in. That is great that she has expressed what her fear is, you can perhaps help her with this by reassuring her that you are not going anywhere and you are right here with her.

It is so wonderful you have reached out here to get some support, there is also a service available called Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, they deal with people under 25 for support and it would be great if you could suggest a call to them to your daughter, or even if you called to get some tips and then perhaps even get her to speak to them with you.

You are doing a wonderful job, it is not easy being a parent. Hugs to you.

Hope to chat soon

AS

egyptian_writer · ‎21-11-2019

Thank you for your answer and for the support i really needed hearing that im doing good

Aaronsis · ‎21-11-2019

Good Morning Egyptian_writer

You are do so very well and the fact you are here and trying to search for ways to help your daughter through this really rough time, and it is rough for you too, no one likes seeing their child in pain.

Please keep chatting, if you want to that is, we are here for you.

Hope today finds you with something to smile at.

Hugs to you

AS

Truetomyself · ‎21-11-2019

Hi Egyptian_Writer,
I was a primary school teacher for 10 years. I don't know everything but the steps you are taking show you want the best for your daughter. I think what you have done so far is very good and you are obviously a loving parent.
It is hard arriving in a new country and I saw many children who took this step with their families.
It is challenging especially when there are changes that are not easy.
I am not sure how old your daughter is. But schools can be a big adjustment.
Being somewhere new is a big adjustment. I know there are school counsellors, external counsellors or I am not sure if your daughter is part of a new arrivals program where she is slowly learning about school, English if she needs to and how to socially mix with others before going straight to the mainstream or big classroom. These are on school grounds and help children to integrate into school life. You might want to talk to her classroom teacher if you feel comfortable and see how she has settled in. I had many parents come even with someone to interpret and we would have conversations about any concerns they had.
If she feels you are the only good thing has she spoken to you why? There can be lots of reasons and fears at any stage children can have due to a number of reasons.
Often we would start children half a day and build up from there if school was a fear. Schools, teachers, counsellors are there to support you and your child not just with learning but also there well being.
Do not hesitate to talk to someone at the school for support. You and your daughter are still new even if it us 15 months and I know there will be someone who will support you.
Also if you are able to find a GP who specialises in working with children this can help and they may be able to give you more input.
Like I said I am not an expert but am just passing on what I have experienced in my time as a teacher.
I hope you and your daughter get all the support you need.
I wish you all the best.
Don't be afraid to ask or come back on here for further support.
We are all here to help you.

egyptian_writer · ‎21-11-2019

Thank you so much for your support. I called the school teacher , she recommended support groups but she didn’t have any information where these groups are. I hope any one here would help?