Hi people.
Thought I'd try reach out to others in a similar position, stumbled upon this site whilst researching causes and treatments for anxiety in children.
Think it's awesome that our great country has services such as this, and I'm confident that joining these forums can only benefit my situation and possibly provide some insightful advice from those already dealing with a young child suffering severe anxiety.
My step daughter is 9 years old and unfortunately is not coping very well at the moment. I completed the online survey and received a very high score, I have no doubt she is suffering from severe anxiety and needs as much love, reassurance and help possible from me and her mother right now, but a little unsure as to wheather or not we should seek medical advice just yet.
Her natural father has never been able to control his anger or emotions in front of her since the separation from her mother over 5 years ago.
It has gradually gone from bad to worse to now extreme, and despite my every effort to respect his position as her father, I have supported and helped my partner to recently take out an intervention order against him, and suspend all contact with his daughter.
As expected the long term stress experienced, with the current turmoil and fear caused by her own biological fathers actions has sent my step daughter into a wild rollercoaster ride of emotions.
I'm trying my very best to provide the love and support required, whilst bearing in mind that I am her step father and have to be very careful how I proceed in providing a full time fathers role to her in his absence.
Her mother and I have a 3 year old child together, and are currently planning our marriage whilst also saving a deposit for a house.
This whole situation is far from ideal, but despite my best efforts to avoid the inevitable, her father has caused an enormous amount of distress and has placed strain on the whole family, including grandparents and extended loved ones.
But we have a very close family unit with good communication and our main concern is the emotion effect it is causing my step daughter.
The symptoms of anxiety are all there, and recently she has been complaining of physical chest pains. A late night trip to the emergency department was inconclusive and the doctor believes it's possible stress/anxiety is the cause.
We are all very concerned for her health, but not sure how best to treat the situation and proceed.
Has anybody here been through similar?