Anxiety developed due to RAS

[Maxdubber]

My son has had RAS since 18months and his triggers are blood and medical procedures and pain. This is now also stretched to visiting a doctor and it is so difficult to get him to see a doctor now when he is ill. This has developed in to major anxiety and fear of fainting to a point if panic attacks.. where do I seek help now?

We have practiced CBT since he was 5 to help his other anxieties but it is now just not helping.

[Duvetdaytoday]

Don’t really have any suggestions but sorry you’re going through this. It’s so hard to see them struggle with this stuff as a parent. My son is similar but luckily it’s more the hospital he dislikes. He has found though that there are some things about it he can enjoy. He quite likes having his blood pressure done (no idea why!) he also likes having his ears checked!

If your son is still small maybe try some role play at home with a toy doctors kit so he can be the doctor for you and you can reassure him that basic stuff like stethoscope etc isn’t scary?My son has one of those toy vet kits and loves checking his stuffed toys over. My boy recently had terrible tummy pain rolling around in agony but went crazy when I suggested we went to a&e (it was 3am) as he’s so phobic of hospital as he’s had some bad experiences with blood tests and things in the route to diagnosis. Good luck with this, would love to know if you find something that works.

[jesterred]

Hello,

So sorry to hear this. Something that helped me with anxiety related to RAS (and other things!), although I appreciate it might not be for everyone, was hypnotherapy. I'm reluctant to suggest it as there are some dubious practioners out there, but here is some good guidance from the NHS:

nhs.uk/conditions/hypnother...

Definitely find someone with a good background in medicine or psychology. And before you do anything consult with your doctor! Even over the phone as I appreciate it may be hard to contact them.

I'd also recommend meditation. I think CBT can be quite light on "mindfulness" but I've found it to be a bit like running: If you do it frequently, you get much stronger and "fitter" and consequently get bothered by things less.

I'd also recommend making sure your son gets enough sleep. This is crucial for keeping good mental health. There are some great vids on Youtube for helping people get to sleep, but also make sure things like having no light getting in to the room, the room not being too warm etc... are eliminated.

Really hope things get better but I am living proof it is possible to lead a happy, healthy life and get a handle on anxiety and RAS.