My 14 year old daughter has a few phobias-
1. Losing baby teeth (which she still has some)
2. Having her school things touched by people
3. Big, open rooms
4. Black dogs
What do I do? It seems like nothing, but it does get in the way of things quite often.
2007-05-21 17:11:03 · 14 answers · asked by Lynn 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
She has never been bitten by a dog, and she is only afraid of big rooms if they are empty or nothing is moving.
2007-05-22 12:23:51 · update #1
If it ever gets in the way of things, then it is a problem. These things all sound like anxiety issues (except the dogs) and I'm willing to bet that she is having trouble facing becoming an adult. The dog thing can be normal-ish, but why black dogs and not all big dogs...Anyway, your daughter probably needs to talk with someone that she isn't going to have to see in everyday life, a therapist who is not working at the school is the best bet. She can talk with this person about stuff without fear of being judged, or fear of disappointing this person (which is one of the reasons kids cannot talk to their parents when something is bothering them). It does not sound like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as she isn't doing things repeatedly etc. It just sounds like anxiety. She is facing a lot of new changes, a lot of new responsibilities and the prospect of puberty (which as we all remember was really tough sometimes), she probably just needs some reassurance and someone to talk to. Watch her carefully, girls who feel this anxious and out of control can sometimes start down the slippery slope of eating disorders without meaning to or knowing it is happening. I would call your insurance company etc to get a referral. If they won't help you, call the county, they can help you get it paid for. Best wishes, and do go diagnosing her with anything, it won't help either of you.
2007-05-21 20:25:22 · answer #1 · answered by Momofthreeboys 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I first read your question the first thing that came to my mind is, what has been going on? Has something big happened (ie. divorce, seperation, a move, change in her routine, a death)? Think about it long and hard. Your daughter is not feeling secure and I suggest looking at the unseen factors. Ask her if anything is happening at school that is making her nervous, ask about all her friends. And as much as no one ever wants to think about their child being sexually assaulted, you need to ask if anyone has been touching her inappropriately, or if something is going on that she is not comfortable with. Find a good councelor in your area if she doesn't want to talk to you, but do not let these phobias become debilitating, because she deserves to live a rich and healthy life and you are a great mom for noticing your daughter's quirks. Everything in my gut, though, is saying there is something bothering her deeply and she needs your help to bring it into the light.
Good luck!
2007-05-21 17:28:36 · answer #2 · answered by blue25tulip 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they actually phobias? Or just quirks? Phobias will get in the way of day to day living and prevent people from doing things they enjoy. For example, if your daughters fear of open rooms is really a phobia, she'll opt not to go to a school dance thats being held in the gym because its big even though all her friends are going. If your daughters fears seem to control her life and actions, then you should have her see a therapist to see if theres anything they can do for her.
2007-05-21 17:17:36 · answer #3 · answered by Amanda 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she needs to go see a counselor in a big kind of way.
Big Open rooms sounds like anxiety along with the baby teeth and black dogs (has she ever been bittin by a black dog?)
Have her school things touched is probably OCD but I'm not a shrink but that's what it sounds like. I would definitley go and have it diagnosed.
Ray
2007-05-22 00:49:45 · answer #4 · answered by raymond E 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like OCD--Obsessive Complusive Disorder which has to do with the brain's seretonin level. I suggest you make an appointment with a psychologist or psychiatrist and see if medications and/or therapy can help.
I've had such "phobias" myself since I was 8 years old, but didn't know of OCD till I was in my late 30s when it received medical/media exposure. It was a relief to know there was a real reason I had the feelings and compulsions that I did. Medication helped my symptoms within days--completely within weeks.
Good luck!
2007-05-21 17:27:59 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
My son did not want to lose his baby teeth because it meant he was growing up.No one should be touching your daughters school belongings.Not sure about big open rooms.Fearing a dog of any kind is normal for some kids.
2007-05-21 17:19:32 · answer #6 · answered by darlene100568 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would talk with a professional about that.. If its getting in the way of things its an issue. or is it for attention or a phase? you know.... your mom.
If its real phobias then she needs some counceling and possibly medication. seek some advise from her MD.
2007-05-21 17:22:39 · answer #7 · answered by Jennifer S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know if these things are phobias, but they might be thought of as neuroses. Maybe the school counselor would be a good place to start.
2007-05-21 17:20:19 · answer #8 · answered by Nightlight 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not a doctor, but it sounds to me like your daughter may have some sort of obsessive compulsive disorder. What ever it is it is taking away from her quality of life. I would get her into see a mental health professional. She could probably benefit from some extra help. But then again who couldn't.
2007-05-21 17:19:14 · answer #9 · answered by yzerswoman 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Read Sylvia Brownes' book: Past Lives, Future Healing.
She talks about cell memories...VERY interesting.
2007-05-21 17:19:48 · answer #10 · answered by jezzybell724 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋