Feb - May 2013

Feb 2013:  Sue witnessed an "episode" that Erica experienced that raised some red flags.  While processing about the episode, Erica described it as a strange feeling that often happens and feels like she is stuck in a thought and can't get unstuck for a few minutes.  She hadn't mentioned it to Carl or me because the episodes were brief and uneventful, and also thought they were normal things that happen to pre-teen girls.  Upon discussing further, we decided to visit with her pediatrician.  Based on the information at the time regarding her episodes, the best diagnosis was anxiety and panic attacks. 

March-April 2013:  Erica continued to have minor episodes daily and we discussed and planned for how to address an episode.  Erica would always have a "bad feeling" associated with a start of an episode, so stepping aside and breathing through them was working at the time.  She also had support from her school counselor and friends.  The episodes didn't seem to have a tremendous negative impact on her academic and social life at school.  There would be times that she would have an episode, but those that witnessed them described them as simply zoning out.

May 2013:  Episodes began to intensify throughout the month.  Erica began sharing what she was experiencing with others because she noticed she was getting in more "trouble" for not paying attention because of having an episode.