How to care for a little with anxiety (edited)
General help
- constant reassurance
- don’t ask why they’re apologizing, just say “it’s okay baby”
- make sure they’re alright and they know you care
- help them breathe through panic/anxiety attacks
- tell them that they’re okay, you have them
- try your hardest not to raise your voice at them
During a panic/anxiety attack
- simple questions to ask:
- is it okay to touch?
- is something around us bugging you
- do you want one of your little things?
- stuffy, paci, sippy/bottle, teether, blanky, etc.
- make sure they’re physically comfortable
- not too warm or too cold, sitting in a comfortable position, you’re not too close or too far.
- ask if there’s anything they need from you
- stay calm yourself
- don’t get upset with them, they cant help it
- keep your voice calm
Questions to ask your little to help with grounding during dissociation or an attack (for LDR or over the phone/text)
- ask them what clothes they’re wearing
- ask them what colors they’re clothes are
- ask them what things are around them:
- how many windows, doors, tables, lights, etc, are there around you?
- ask them what colors are around them
- ask them what they can smell or hear
Remember that we’re all here for you and you’re not alone! If your caregiver isn’t around, you can always talk to your little friends, or if you don’t have any, you can talk to me! @wolfy-n-tiny
Credit to @carrotkisses for some of the material on this list! they left a very wonderful comment on the original post that inspired me to add to it.
