anyone know anything about Anxiety?

[misty]

Shannon's been having terrible stomach aches, diarrhea, & headaches. She's missed 40 days of school this year & many of them are from these issues. I took her to the Dr a couple weeks ago & they did a full blood work up on her. Because she has very painful periods as well, the Dr thought maybe she had PCOS. Ends up, all her blood work came back fine. I made her an appointment with a gastroenterologist, but can't get her in until the end of June. Of course, I've been working closely with her teacher to ensure that the school is aware we are taking steps & also so that Shannon doesn't fall behind academically. One of the teachers mentioned that Shannon's symptoms might be signs of anxiety. Shannon & I looked it up & sure enough she does meet some of the criteria:

Trouble concentrating
irritability
restlessness
trouble sleeping
frequent diarrhea
stomach upset
muscle tension
fatigue
headaches


I never ever would have thought of it, so I'm glad a teacher made a point to suggest it. After her dad's brain injury, she never did talk to anyone like a therapist, but I'm thinking that it may have led to some anxiety. Her life changed so drastically, so quickly. I guess my next step is to call her Dr & get a referral. What should I look for? A therapist or a Psychiatrist? Meanwhile she is going to talk to the school therapist, until I can find someone for her to see outside of school. I feel like I failed her, not seeing it myself.

[jj]

I'm not going to be any help at all but just wanted to say don't blame yourself for not seeing it. Sometimes living with someone you love you are so readily accepting them "as they are" you just miss the signs. I've no doubt her Dads injury has caused a lot of worry for her.

I do hope talking to the school therapist will help until you can find someone more experienced in anxiety issues.

[bugsmom]

Oh Dawn...don't beat yourself up about anything. You are an outstanding mother and have ALWAYS had Shannon's best interest at heart. I understand feeling that way, but as someone who has watched you go through the hardest times in your life in the past couple of years, you've always made sure Shannon was loved and taken care of. I know that you would move mountains for her!

As for the anxiety, all of the things you mentioned can definately be related to anxiety. We have dealt with Josh's severe anxiety since the 4th grade. Being that he was a little more dramatic than most kids, it was pretty evident. But, I can say the older he gets, its a little harder to see it coming on. He masks it much better now and my only clue is he gets VERY irritable. In the past he was very restless and would get horrible migraines.

I think a therapist is a wonderful idea. I would choose an adolescent counselor or therapist. Josh has a great therapist that he sees for his bouts with anxiety. They have worked for years on coping skills and putting things in a clear perpective in a time of crisis. It has been so helpful. And I personally think every teen should have a therapist these days...lol. They have so much pressure with peers and school, its just nice to have someone other than a family member or friend to listen to them. There may be something on their minds that they don't want to share with anyone and a therapist can be a Godsend. Joshua LOVES his and knows he can go to her with anything.

Once again, don't beat yourself up. You are so wonderful and I know you'll do your best to figure things out. ((((((((Hugs))))))))

[misty]

Thanks guys. I still feel bad, but not quite as much. Hopefully Monday I can get her Dr on the phone & find a decent therapist for her.

[misty]

Just wanted to update a bit. Shannon has started going to the school psychologist & her stomach aches have virtually disappeared. Shes gone 2 straight weeks without missing a single day! On the other hand, she seems to be having a sort of identity crises. We have an appointment next month with a therapist that was recommended to us. I'm not ready to go into everything until we see what is really going on--if its just a normal teenage "I'm not sure who I am" kind of thing, or something more.

[bugsmom]

Good to hear the stomache aches are better. You must be so relieved.

Let us know how the therapist visit goes. Gosh, being a teen now is just so difficult. Our kids have it so much harder then we ever did. We're here when you need us Misty...(((((hugs))))).

[charliegirl]

I'm not sure how I did it but I totally missed this. I am so sorry! I am glad the school therapist seems to be helping her.

[jill]

Annette suffers from mild anxiety. I would follow up with your care providers like you are also see is she being bullied or what is going on during the day causing the symptoms to worsen. As for the 40 day absence I am glad you are in contact with the school and they are aware and her work is up to par and you are having the follow up appointments. My vote is what is you need to figure out what is triggering the symtoms.