Panic attacks in class.

[Airbear]

I have been having panic attacks because of my anxiety. At first it was fine but now it happen regularly. The main problem is that I haven’t told anyone about my anxiety. I fear that they may make fun of me for it. I was thinking of talking to my school councillor but I have never talked to her before so it makes me rather nevous to open up to her. I am only in my first year of high school at the moment and it is starting to become overwhelming having these panic attacks. Who should I talk to? What can I do to help with the panic attacks? And should I tell my teachers so when I have one I can be quickly excused?

[Chloe_M]

Welcome to the forums Airbear!

I'm so glad you came to use for help. I understand what you are feeling.

I am in my third year of high school, and my anxiety has only just became a problem. I experience panic attacks frequently, sometimes in class, and I have yet to speak to my school counsellor because I was to scared. However, I am going to him today with a close friend. I'll let you know how it goes and give you any advice if you want!

My parents have only just found out about my anxiety, but I am going to see a GP soon. Can you trust your parents enough to tell them? Or do you have any close friends that will try to help? I went to my friends first; if you have any close friends that you can trust I think you should try explain it to them first.

Definitely go and see your school counsellor, I'm sure she'll have an idea of what you're going through. You might also consider going to eHeadspace and using their free online counselling function.

I haven't told my teachers that I have anxiety because I don't actually have a diagnosis, but I think they have sensed something is wrong, and if I need fresh air or to go to the toilet or to get a drink, they let me go. If there is a teacher you trust and like a lot, however, then maybe you could tell them?

Good luck AirbearAirbear xox

Chloe_M

[romantic_thi3f]

Hey Airbear!

Thanks for your post.

Chloe_M has given some great advice so I'm not sure that I can add too much to that!

The only other thing that I will add is that if you do decide to talk to the school counsellor, they can talk to the teachers for you. Win! (Plus they can do it in private so nobody has to know). Anxiety is hugely common in schools so that's exactly what they are there for.

I know the first time I went to the school counsellor I was absolutely terrified. My anxiety had put me off going for months so I totally get it. The only reason that I went was because the benefit of seeing a counsellor outweighed the idea of having more anxiety and feeling too overwhelmed by it.

I hope that you do get the courage to go. It helps to have someone in your corner.

Long-term, there are so many things that can help with your anxiety. Short-term - breathe. When we have panic attacks we forget how to breathe and focus on our fear. The app 'Be Okay' is really good for this. It's so simple - just a circle to breathe in, hold and breathe out - but the idea is perfect and can minimise how intense it is.

Hope this helps,

[Chloe_M]

Hi Airbear,

Haven't seen you in a while, just checking in to make sure you're doing okay.

xx Chloe