Child dla for anxiety

susan160

hi I applied for dla for my child in February they said none of the things I put apply so I did the mandatory reconsideration got that back yesterday they said they are sticking to same decision the child as bad thoughts so cannot ever be left alone doesn’t go anywhere alone and doesn’t sleep alone as can’t sleep ,is sick at school with anxiety and suffered for about 4 yrs now but isn’t on any medication for sleeping or for anxiety it’s never been offered I have read that children with anxiety can get dla I cannot work as I am always going into school or getting phone calls to come home is it work me appealing or not bothering I know it’s not a disability like some children have but this is every day thanks for any advice

Rachel_Scope

Morning @susan160.

I'm so sorry that your child is struggling with anxiety. May I ask how old they are? My background is in primary education and working with children with emotional difficulties. Have you spoken to the school's SENCO and have they offered any support? Here's a link to the NHS website regarding anxiety in children https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-disorders-in-children/ . If you haven't already done so, you can contact CAMHS (information in the NHS link) to get an assessment for your child and I'd recommend speaking to your Dr to see what support they can offer. There are talking therapies that may be helpful.

It's such a difficult situation for you, are you also taking time to look after yourself?

susan160

hi 14 yeah the school have been great been to Cahms and mind didn’t help much though spoke to doctors about not sleeping and anxiety but never been offered anything said too young

Rachel_Scope

I'm glad the school have been supportive. Do you mind me asking what CAHMS offered, if anything? Is there anything that could have triggered the anxiety 4 years ago?

It sounds like your child is really struggling with daily life and definitely needs some mental health support. Have you looked at private counsellors? I understand they can be expensive though. Is there a counsellor in school that they can talk to?

susan160

the school are good with anything I ring about there’s a few different people who see her that’s not great in the support as it’s a quick few mins if they send someone to see her mind was a 10 week programme but because she’s really shy too she doesn’t speak at groups and that so can only give her leaflets and do group things but she won’t take part ,mind is near enough the same but one to one it’s just writing scenarios at home and talking about them but she as to in on her own so not keen on it I think she as separation anxiety too

susan160

no nothing happened just high school from then

Rachel_Scope

It would be good if the school had a counsellor or a key person who could talk to her properly. I understand her not wanting to talk in groups, it's very difficult to open up when you're anxious. Maybe see a different Dr, one who better understands mental health? Do you feel you're in a position to look into private counsellors? There are also Life Coaches who can help. I used to be one and did lots of work with children and their families and was able to relate to them due to my own experiences with anxiety and depression. I've struggled with these since childhood and I remember being an 18 year old and failing to get appropriate support from CAHMS.

Keep fighting for your daughter like you already are, she deserves support.

susan160

thankyou iv spoke to various doctors and nurses they never said anything about giving her anything but I don’t like to give them anything if they don’t really need them either iv told them she can’t sleep either but still nothing I asked about the jelly’s you can buy from Holland and Barrett to help calm you the nurse said she’s not heard of them and wouldn’t know but thankyou

Rachel_Scope

I understand not wanting to go down the route of medication. I avoided it for a long but eventually started when I was around 25. It's worked well for me but it's not the same for everyone. I'm also not sure what can be offered to a child. I'm hopeful that there'll be some type of counselling that can help her. Here's a link that has information for different places to get support https://www.youngminds.org.uk/young-person/mental-health-conditions/anxiety/#Wheretogethelp . There are pages catered to teens and to parents.

Please keep in touch and let me know how you get on.

susan160

great thankyou iv done courses my self to help her too x

Floof

I feel for you and sorry this is all happening. I struggled to get help for my daughter's anxiety - no-one would listen. Eventually I wrote a very very long report on her and posted it to cams prior to an appt. She was then diagnosed with OCD at 8 years old and put on medication (prozac). She is now 30 and has also been diagnosed with Autism. Try to keep going with this - I know what an impact it can all have.

susan160

thankyou xx