Yesterday, while at the begining of one of my classes, I abruptly left. There is only six people in the class, at best, so yes, I am sure my absence was noticed. I left without any explanation, because I was having a panic attack. I didn't tell my professor, and I don't think I should tell him now, but I am so embarrassed. But I have to go back tommorrow, because the professor will explain the major research project we have to do. But I don't think that I can go back there because I feel so embarrassed and I don't want to explain myself. Should I drop the course? I'm really interested in this class. It's a graduate-level class, but I was allowed to enroll in it because I have good grades. I'm really interested in the subject matter, but everytime I go to this class, I get horrible panic attacks. What should I do? I have quite a few Ws on my transcripts, and I don't want anymore, but if I have to go back to that class, I will just die.
2007-01-30 04:46:14 · 14 answers · asked by R J 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
It's an Economic Development class offered through the Urban Planning program at my school. I am really interested in Economic Development, so I feel that this class is required for me, even though it's not required for my degree in Economics.
2007-01-30 07:55:34 · update #1
Tell you got sick, because that is what happenned.
2007-01-30 04:56:42 · answer #1 · answered by ChaliQ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I too suffer from this distressing form of anxiety so I know exactly what you are going through.
See your doctor and see about getting some anti-anxiety meds (I am on Zoloft which I take every day to help prevent panic attacks, and also have Xanax which is a tranquilizer for occasional use--it is amazing and really works!) and see about getting some cognitive behavorial therapy so that you can learn some coping skills and "train" your brain to relax.
In the meantime, do everything you can to make yourself comfortable. If you feel a panic attack coming on, IT'S OK TO LEAVE THE ROOM; try to keep your breathing calm but don't fight the attack. If you let it run its course it will actually go away faster. Just remember that the panic attack won't hurt you, and once it's run its course you will feel ok again. People don't really notice as much as you think they do. Everyone gets ill once in awhile. It's none of anyone's business anyway.
When I'm right in the middle of a panic attack, it helps me to visualize a safe situation, whereas trying to talk myself out of it does nothing!
You are not alone. Good luck to you!
2007-01-31 10:22:26 · answer #2 · answered by Gen•X•er (I love zombies!) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Panic attacks suck. I know. Is the class required? If so, tell your professor about this disorder. It will help him understand your absence. Do you have panic attacks outside of this class? Other times? There is medication for panic attacks, but it might also be helpful to learn the cause of the attacks.
BTW nothing will happen to you because of the panic attacks -you will not go crazy and you will not die. Do some research and learn why panic attacks occur. I recommend that you see a doctor too.
2007-01-30 05:56:05 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like this has happened before.
My suggestions:
1. If this class is not a requirement for your degree, I see nothing wrong with dropping it for now. (I can't tell you how many times undergrads seem to think they have to force every class they would every want to take, within just a few short years.)
2. Only take classes from now on that are part of your degree program.
3. Talk to a counselor about this issue, not that particular professor and not to any other teacher except your advisor perhaps.
4. Realize that often these kinds of things happen because we are doing something we really don't want to do -- too many classes, wrong major, etc.
2007-01-30 05:41:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I've had panic attacks before, it's awful. You can just tell your teacher you didn't feel well--you shouldn't have to say what was wrong. I would try to complete the class; if you just can't do it, drop out and take it again later--it happens all the time. I hope you're seeing a doctor and getting some medication that helps.
2007-02-04 08:20:23 · answer #5 · answered by majnun99 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.
Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?
2016-05-17 05:03:22 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you know what panic attacks are?
Well if you doing not have a chemical imbalance which a doctor can tell you....
They are becasue you were never taught how to handle stress. Ask yourself, what is the worst that can happen? Do you really want to take this class and what are you getting out of it. Ask yourself what are you going to do to pass this class.
Work equals success....it is the oldest rule in the book..
I know you can do it!
Good luck and God bless...
2007-01-30 05:18:56 · answer #7 · answered by James 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My heart goes out to you, darling! I deal with anxiety, and don't even enroll in classes. Pat your self on the pack for that!! Here's a suggestion. Before you go to bed, as God to remove this. It's simple. It's not serving you. Sylvia Browne gives this advise to people all the time for this. Usually this irrational fear comes from a past life experience. Just "release it to the White Light of the Holy Spirit" as she says... Pray however you like, just put it out there and see what happens. I'm sure they have meds for this and therapy is good as well... I hope you are able to stay in your class! Learning and being apart of something greater than yourself is a good thing.
2007-01-30 04:59:03 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Panic attacks are very common, and your professor will understand. First, get to a doctor and get some medication for the attacks. See if your doctor recommends therapy--to get to the root of WHY you are having these attacks.
Tell the professor that you are sorry, and explain that you are having panic attacks. Then tell him/her what you will do to stop them (dr., meds, therapy, etc.). This is a real illness, and you do need to get help. Your professor needs to understand this.
2007-01-30 04:53:12 · answer #9 · answered by Holiday Magic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well do the thing you don't want to do, go to your professor privately if necessary, and explain to him/her how you are feeling. maybe this class is one of your life hurdles you need to get over. the panic attacks could be because this class is overwhelming to you for what ever reasons. its like a bike, if you don't just get back on that thing you will never ride another bike because you will allow your mind to keep beating you up. conquer this thing in your life because it will keep you down.
2007-02-06 22:22:56 · answer #10 · answered by lolly125107 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is something about that class that bothers you but if you like it stick with it....panic attacks are caused by aniexty,,,maybe your doctor could help you and always be truthful and not worry about what other people think..they probably aren't thinking anything...my docotr told me when I have one just go with it because if I fight them they would get worse. he put me on some medication for 6 months and it really helped. I haven't had one in 20 years.... Good luck......
2007-02-06 08:41:24 · answer #11 · answered by ariermagee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋