Jackie “O” Henderson made quite the entrance at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRA) in a vibrant hot pink minidress, capturing everyone’s attention on the red carpet.
However, her evening took an unexpected turn as her 12-year-old daughter, Kitty, who accompanied her to the event, experienced a distressing incident that led to a hospital visit.
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The afterparty mystery
The radio personality revealed her absence at the afterparty during a recent The Kyle & Jackie O Show broadcast.
She explained that Kitty had a mini panic attack during the awards ceremony at the International Convention Centre in Sydney’s Darling Harbour over the weekend.
The incident left Jackie no choice but to prioritise her daughter’s well-being.
A glimpse into Kitty’s experience
Excitement filled the air as the KIIS program secured the “Best Networked Show” award.
Kitty, who occasionally participates in her mother’s radio world, joined the team on stage.
“Kitty came up as well because, you know, she’s part of the KIIS team at times,”Jackie shared on air.
“She comes in and helps out. She loves it, and she loves the team here, and she knows them all so well.”
However, being thrust into the spotlight was a challenging experience for a preteen, as Jackie pointed out on air. “Twelve-year-olds don’t want anyone, crowds looking at them. They’re self-conscious,” she emphasised.
“So I think she had a little moment of like, ‘Oh my god, everyone’s looking at me. I gotta get down.’ And she hadn’t eaten much that day either.”
Kitty’s anxiety intensified when the team went backstage for celebratory photos and was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause.
“And all the guys, like 25 of them, are chanting. It’s loud, they’re all excited. It was kind of hectic, and I think Kitty was almost about to faint and then sort of have a bit of a panic [attack].”
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From stage to emergency department
Jackie was unaware of the extent of Kitty’s distress at the time as she wasn’t by her side. However, seeing her daughter made it evident that something was amiss.
“I took her myself. I just wanted to get her checked, just in case, and she was fine. So that’s why I didn’t go to the afterparty.”
Jackie promptly took her to the emergency department to ensure her daughter’s well-being, where she received the necessary care and attention.
Jackie’s decision to take Kitty to the hospital, even in the midst of a celebratory moment, reflects a parent’s priority for the well-being of their children, no matter the occasion.
Anxiety in kids
Anxiety and panic attacks in children are increasingly recognised concerns in Australia.
According to the Department of Health, approximately 7% of Australian children aged 4-17 experience an anxiety disorder.
These conditions can manifest as panic attacks, characterised by sudden and intense fear and discomfort.
What to do if your child has a panic attack
If your child experiences a panic attack, remaining calm and reassuring is essential.
Find a quiet, safe space, encourage slow, deep breaths, and avoid minimising their feelings or telling them to “snap out of it.”
Validate their emotions, provide comfort through physical touch, and encourage them to focus on their breath and engage in grounding techniques, like counting objects in the room.
After the panic attack subsides, take a moment to discuss their feelings and consider seeking professional help if panic attacks become frequent or severe.
Open communication and support are vital to helping your child manage and overcome panic attacks.
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