How can you help a child that panics

Panic can feel frightening for everyone involved. For young people, it arrives uncontrollably, and for parents, knowing how to respond in the moment, without making things worse, is one of the hardest things to get right.

We'll talk about what's actually happening when a teen panics, where it might originate from, and how families can respond in ways that help rather than escalate. We'll also look at what to do after the panic episode, when your teenager isn't in crisis but the worry about the next time is already there.

What We'll Cover

• What panic actually is, and how to recognise it.
• What might trigger panic in your teen, and how to manage your own anxiety in the moment.
• Whether panic is linked to anxiety, or whether other factors such as low mood, OCD, phobias, neurodiversity or early life experience might also play a role
• Whether panic increases over time, and why fear of the next panic attack can become a problem in itself
• What to do when panic starts to affect school, friendships and daily life; and when and where to look for further help

Takeaways for Parents

Parents will leave with:

• A clearer understanding of what panic is and what it might look like in their teenager
• Greater confidence in recognising potential triggers and responding calmly in the moment
• Practical advice for supporting their teen in the aftermath of a panic attack
• A better sense of when panic may be connected to something wider, and what that might mean
• Guidance on when to seek further support and where to find it.