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Sunday, March 28, 2010 frustrated Mom asks

Q: Help for a 14 year old female who suffers with off & on severe anxiety.

How can I help my 14 yr old daughter who suffers with off and on severe anxiety? We've been to 2 therapists who try to work with her using CBT but she thinks it's stupid. She underachieves at school when she's anxious but when she feels better she works to her potential. This roller coaster keeps happening and when she's in an anxious state I just can not get through. Right now she is not using drugs or alcohol but a lot of her peers are and I'm afraid that she will succumb to the peer pressure unless we can manage her anxiety. How do you help someone who refuses to help themselves?

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Answers (1)
Jerry Kennard, Health Pro
3/29/10 7:19am

Thanks for your question.

 

You're up against one of the most difficult situations in the sense of trying to help someone who appears not to want it. As a 14 year old I think it isn't unreasonable to anticipate a level of anxiety that may ebb and flow. The issue with any therapy is that the client has to feel a relationship with the therapist and actually want the therapy.

 

CBT is educative and does require a conceptual grasp which, perhaps, your daughter feels unable to accept at this stage. Although CBT is generally regarded as one of the most effective forms of therapy for anxiety there are others, such as one-to-one counseling she might feel happier with.

 

It may not always feel this way but a significant issue for her will be the fact that she can turn to someone who provides unconditional love and support. Of course you will want to suggest things and offer direction but unless and until she is ready to accept a therapeutic relationship it can't be imposed. 

 

Meanwhile I suggest you/she look at the things known to affect arousal states. These include the pattern of sleep, diet, restricting high sugary intake of foods and drinks, and getting regular exercise.

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By frustrated Mom— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 03/28/10