Toddler Panic Attacks
I have a 2.5 year old toddler who has panic attacks when he’s alone at bedtime.
He is a very well adjusted little boy and plays very well independently throughout the day but as soon as bedtime comes he freaks out and demands for me to lay down with him!
He will try to stay awake for as long as possible just incase I might leave. If I do try to leave/try to get him go to bed alone in his room he gets hysterical!! He started bawling crying and will hold his breath (he has passed out from holding it so long before) recently he started grabbing at his heart saying it’s hurting after he gets upset.
He used to sleep in his room alone but about a year ago he started to wake up at night and get in our bed. Now he won’t even consider going to sleep in his room. We have a small routine going (bath then bed) and now he doesn’t even want to get in the bath bc he knows bedtime is soon.
I feel so bad bc I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks and wonder if it’s genetic? Other wise he is so brave and fearless so I just don’t understand why he gets so scared? I stay home with him so we are together all the time so idk if that is why he doesn’t want to be alone at bed.