A question for people with panic/anxiety.. Do your friends/colleagues know?

Question

I have been really struggling with panic attacks for the past few months.
Yesterday i had one at lunch time at school and came to class late with my eyes still bloodshot.
My teacher knows about my anxiety, so she was nice and didn't ask any questions.
But everyone else kept annoying me and saying that i've become weird lately and they want to know whats wrong..

The question is:
Should i tell them?
What reactions have you had from people whe you tell them?

Answer 1

Wow you're still in highschool I take it. I never let anyone, except a few teachers, know about it. Kids can be cruel and tend to feed off of those they deem odd.

I didn't tell anyone until I was much older and had a harder time hiding it. Please get help before you get so into it that it's harder to get away from the feelings. I'm 40 now and it's hard to control it now.

Answer 2

It's a tough one to call.

I have Epilepsy which is different to your situation but the questions and reaction are exactly the same.

I always make sure people I am going to be around for any length of time, like say in a job know. That is important so that they know what to do if I have an attack and don't get freaked out.

Everyone I have told has been really supportive but that is in a mature environment. I have only been recently diagnosed and didn't have this when I was at school.

You don't say how bad your attacks are but I know people who are so bad they need to be taken to hospital whenever they suffer an attack.

If you're that bad then I think you must ask your teacher to talk to the rest of the class.

If you are not that serious then I think you should just tell your friends. It's nothing to be ashamed of and really surprisingly common.

If your friends are proper friends they will understand and support you in any way they can. And, will stop asking you stupid annoying questions.

Very good luck and take care.

Answer 3

I dont have anxiety. However, panic attacks can occur at any time, and basically anyone can have them. From what I do know, there is usually a particular thing that brings on a panic attack (maybe a fear of something, etc). However, people are usually unaware of it happening to someone. You'll also learn in psychology that everyone has an anxiety level everyday constantly around 3-4 (a small amount of anxiety is actually normal and helps make quick decisions etc), People with an anxiety problem average about 6-7 and with an attack go to 10 rapidly. Sometimes, general knowledge of anxiety/panic itself can help remedy it in some people so its not such a mystery.... i hope this helped, good luck.

Answer 4

I think it'd be the right thing to tell them. Let them know there's a reason behind your behavior recently and maybe they'll be able to help. They'd most likely rather help you than see you like this day after day.

My panic attacks are known by virtually no one. I told my mom but she passed it off as nothing and that it's all in my mind (which actually it is but not in the way she meant). It can be frustrating and scary when no one else knows about it so I'd say go ahead and tell someone, especially your close friends and/or parents.

Answer 5

That crap used to happen to me all the time. I used to have to leave class because I was sweating so badly - mainly in college. There is only one true cure - face it and face it often. I got rid of mine when I had to speak or give lectures in medical school. You should also try to boost your self esteem with exercise - try to improve you physical appearance and get strong. Also - if you are surrounded by mean people, think about finding a better school. But yes - tell people, make it a joke for you and them. Make it a sport - see how long you can go before freaking out - takes the pressure off - it WILL go away if you face your fears.

I would not recommend drugs - this only masks the problem. One more thing - do things that make you happy - hang out with dorks if they're nice to you. Often, these attacks seem to be coming from a fear that people will "find out" that you're not who they think you are - so stop trying to impress those people.

Answer 6

They are being immature.
You dont have to tell them.
I have the same problem, my anxiety is strange also accompanied by OCD. Yes, I have told some people about it, but they do not think Im weird.

Answer 7

most people suffer some sort of fear or anxiety ,some one close to me was practically housebound from panic attacks but with coping techniques and medication overcame it and i have great admiration for him

Answer 8

i told mine. they didn't freak out or stop talking to me. they took it well and they are always watching out for me. i am glad that i told them so that i can talk to them about it and i dont feel like im always trying to hide somethig.