It's important to acknowledge that yelling at your daughter during her panic attack was not a helpful or understanding response. Panic attacks are distressing and overwhelming experiences, and responding with anger can exacerbate the situation and damage the trust between you and your daughter.
Yes, you are in the wrong in this situation. However, it's essential to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and what matters most now is how you take responsibility for your actions and work towards repairing the relationship with your daughter. Here are some steps you can take to address the situation and begin to mend your relationship:
Apologize Sincerely: Take the initiative to apologize to your daughter genuinely. Let her know that you understand you reacted poorly and that you regret yelling at her during a difficult time. Be sincere in your apology and avoid making excuses for your behavior.
Validate Her Feelings: Let your daughter know that her feelings are valid, and it's okay for her to feel anxious or overwhelmed. Acknowledge that her panic attack was a real and challenging experience for her.
Listen to Her: Give her the space to express her feelings, concerns, and frustrations about the incident and how she's feeling now. Be an active listener and avoid interrupting or getting defensive.
Educate Yourself: Learn more about panic attacks and anxiety to gain a better understanding of what your daughter is going through. This knowledge can help you be more empathetic and supportive in the future.
Find Calm Ways to Communicate: Moving forward, make an effort to communicate with your daughter in a calm and understanding manner. Show empathy and patience when discussing her feelings and emotions.
Offer Support: Let her know that you are there to support her and that she can talk to you about her feelings and concerns without fear of judgment or anger.
Consider Professional Help: If your daughter's anxiety or panic attacks persist, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who specializes in working with children and anxiety disorders.
Repair the Trust: Rebuilding trust takes time and consistency. Be patient and demonstrate through your actions that you are committed to being a supportive and understanding parent.
Avoid Guilt and Blame: While it's essential to take responsibility for your actions, avoid dwelling on guilt or blaming yourself excessively. Instead, focus on learning from the experience and working towards positive change.
Remember, mistakes are opportunities for growth and learning. By taking responsibility for your actions, showing empathy and understanding, and working towards improving your response in the future, you can work towards repairing your relationship with your daughter and supporting her during challenging times.