Alex's Answer

Hi there, you are very welcome to Ask Alex.   

Thank you for contacting us. We understand that it’s not always easy to share our worries and concerns, but we also know how important it is to talk about how we are feeling.  

We are sorry to hear that you feel you don’t focus enough and find it hard to listen when someone is talking directly at you. You also say that you often get anxiety or panic attacks. This must be difficult for you. We are glad that you have reached out to look for support, it’s so important to know you are not alone in this struggle. 

You say you often get anxiety; anxiety can be a challenging feeling that we all feel from time to time. It is something that we experience and not a part of who we are.  You also say that you want to restart and organise your life, could you tell us a little more about this?  

We would be concerned that you get panic attacks, and it is important to speak to someone you trust after any panic attack. However, if you start having panic attacks frequently, it might be time to speak to a guidance counsellor, therapist or doctor.  Here are some helpful steps to take when having a panic attack.  

• Focus on your breathing. Breathe in through your nose slowly while counting to five, then breathe out through your mouth slowly while counting to five. Keep doing this for as long as you need to.  
• Stay in the moment. Stay where you are and focus on what’s around you. Naming the things you can see, hear or touch in this moment can help. 
• Move a little. Some easy physical activity, like jumping up and down or walking on the spot, can help you cope. Make sure you stay focused on your breathing though. 
• Remember that you will feel better. Tell yourself that the panic attack isn’t in control – you are.
• Tell someone what happened. Talking to a parent, good friend, teacher or another person you trust can really help, as it gives you a chance to explain your feelings. 

Do you think you have a trusted adult in your life that you could talk to about how you are feeling? This trusted adult could be a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, teacher, or youth worker. You are welcome to ask this trusted adult to get in touch with Childline about our digital anxiety management programmes. We have information on our website about this service.

If you are finding it hard to talk to those in your life whom you are close to, you are very welcome to chat with the Childline Team through our web chat on www.childline.ie, by text on 50101 or by phone on 1800 66 66 66.  Childline services are free and confidential, and are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.    

Thank you for reaching out to us.  

Take care,  

Alex