I have had some life long anxiety issues with my 12 year old. As I think back when anxiety thoughts started my Dad was living with me providing care for his N-stage colon cancer that spread. Katie had a "thing" of death and skeletons, afraid to fall asleep that death would happen. She outgrew that part, but never liked trips, the "How long to get there, and get back". I had/have this too.

Then Dad passed away, My Mom a year later then last year here sister. In school if others teased her about -her hobbies, computer games, her hair looked gray as it is ash blonde, she took it very deeply. She abslolutly did not want to retun to school last Sept. She cried for home school or tutor as she had belongings taken and passed around there room for her to chase down.

At Christmas break she was pinched, very hard the bruise was there two weeks later to show at school. She tried to go to school but had anxiety attacks, was forced by guidance counselor to go crying. Waited to Katie to wipe face and take a breath to go in. One other day Katie went as As =Principle called on speaker phone to husband and I that it was not about feelings or emotions it wa a legal truancy issue. Katie went knowing she did not want me arrested. She was trying to go, at night she would plan outfit for the next day...but started with insomnia, up all night after a few hours sleep, sometimes up for 30 hours.

Getting long.
But bottom line, at home she is a different kid, normal, healthy appiatite, except for not sleeping or wanting to leave the home. She is adamant against medication, I am too....I saw what theraputic doses did to her sister, as did she.
I just wonder for others that were young on meds, did medicate a child how did it go, was it the turnaround for the child, any positive or neg thoughts.
I just think it is behevioral issues, and maturation will help as it did me, also that it is not chemical levels or imabalance, why medicate?
Lots of prayers needed anyway for us. It is really taking a toll on me emotionally.
Di