Anxiety due to family and starting to have panic attacks

[su_im]

I'm in year 11 this year and all of a sudden, I have a lot of pressure weighing down on me. Such as exams and tests. My mum isn't helping much either. Before the exams/tests I feels panic attacks coming. I've never had panic attacks until this year. It started when I had a dream where I failed a math test and I had trouble calming down and couldn't sleep after that. Recently I got my score back for a Biology test and the teacher rated my score as good. I was happy with it but when I told my mum, well, she wasn't too happy. We had a huge fight. She told me I should have studied harder but the night before that test, I had stayed up until 12:30 studying. I told her this but she said I should have studied harder. Now, before a test, I get really scared to the point where I puke. Also, after I get my mark back and its not a good score, I get panic attacks.

 Any advice on anything that could help me with my anxiety please?

 Thank you.

 Su Im

[blondguy]

Hi Su

Paul here and welcome to the BB Forums...

Just using some clarity here for you...Your mum even though very (unnecessarily) demanding Loves you to bits otherwise she would not be the way she is.

From what you have said above...you are doing everything you can right now Su and I commend you for that wholeheartedly. (Its simple really...if you weren't trying hard...we wouldn't be having this conversation)

So Su...even though your mum means well in an awkward way...I do understand that you are doing everything you possibly can right now..and well done to you! You should be very proud of your dedication and attitude you have!

Okay...anxiety...it is very very common but that might not help you now Su.

If you wish, can you tell me your symptoms of your panic attacks? This is a very very secure site Su...I have had the panic attacks as well.

I do hope you can get back to us when/if you choose to do so.

Here for you Su_im (Well Done on your studies and your commitment to your Education)

Paul

[su_im]

Whenever I get a panic attack, I have trouble breathing. I can't think straight and it feels like my throat is closing and I can't relax. I don't really know how to describe it but I can't think of anything else other than that one thing that I'm scared of or panicking about I guess...Like with that math test dream I had, even after I woke up, I couldn't think of anything else even though I tried to think of something different. I don't really know how else to describe it this is the best I could do. Sorry. 

Not sure if it helps but I had no idea what was going on until a friend saw what was happening to me and told me it was a panic attack...

[TuneOfLove_]

Hi Su 🙂 It seems like your past experience is projecting itself onto your new ones..

This is my favourite quote that can help you.

“The pain that you create now is always some form of nonacceptance, some form of
unconscious resistance to what is. On the level of thought, the resistance is
some form of judgement. On the emotional level, it is some form of negativity.
The intensity of the pain depends on the degree of resistance to the present
moment, and this in turn depends on how strongly you are identified with your
mind. The mind always seeks to deny the Now and to escape from it. In other
words, the more you are identified with your mind, the more you suffer. Or you
may put it like this: the more you are able to honor and accept the Now, the
more you are free of pain, of suffering - and free of the egoic mind.” ~Eckhart
Tolle~

[blondguy]

Okay...Your symptoms are 'normal' for a panic attack...And they are very common...If you can I need you to take a 'gentle' deep breath and just let yourself exhale...then wait and repeat....and again....Okay?

I will keep my words out of this Su...do you have a family doctor you can visit?

You have nothing to apologise for Su....Your friend may be right....or wrong too!

The difficulty you have breathing is a normal symptom of panic (anxiety)....Is your breathing just as tight now?

Even though with your mum being demanding....if you need to get on the phone and have a chat to us we do have very kind people on our 24/7 hotline 1300 22 4636 that can help you too...as well as us....

If you sih can you let me/us know if you have a GP that you can visit?

Still here for you Su. And please remember that the panic does go away....It will. You are stronger than you think....especially for having the courage to post..

Paul

[Bluey_moon]

Hi Su, 

Paul has given you some great advice. He is very wise and caring. 

I'm very sorry you feel under so much pressure! This sounds like it is making your life difficult. 

I tend to agree with Paul in the fact that your mum cares about you BUT at the same time she is putting so much pressure on you. Are you able to sit down and talk with her? 

Pauls suggestion of seeing a GP is a good one. Do you have a guidance counsellor at school you could talk to? Or a friend or teacher you trust. 

I have anxiety and the occasional panic attack. I'm not sure if this will help but this is what helps me. Ten deep breaths, counting you breaths as you go. Going and getting a glass of water or going for a short walk. Lastly I found trying not to think of something only made it stick around, so I don't try to push the thought away, I just leave it there to go on its own. Let it be. This however takes practice. 

Honey, lastly you are not alone. Panic attacks happen to lots of people. 

I tell my daughter this, if you tried your best, then I am proud of you, regardless of if you got a A or D, if you tried then that is all you can do!!!

skye

[blondguy]

Hi Su. I hope you are okay...We are here for you 🙂

Skye!

Bless your heart (Hug) for your great post and your kind heart 🙂

Paul