Public Panic Attack = Scared to Leave My House

Until today I hadn't had a panic attack in a few weeks.

Walking to meet my friends who I walk with to school, for me, doesn't usually raise my anxiety levels that much as I know I will soon be with people I am somewhat comfortable around. However today, my friend (not that I am blaming her for the chemicals in my brain), asked me if she should meet me at our school. I was running slightly late and my anxiety level was gradually beginning to rise. Her question tipped my scale instantly. I became very, very defensive and began being a douche bag to her. The combination of my raised anxiety and, I think, anger got the better of me and as I turned the corner, my eyes fell on a group of 13 - 14 year old girls.

Almost instantly, I froze. I believed each member of the group was going to hurt me if I approached them. I then began to panic, resulting in all of the girls stopping their conversations to stare at me; only worsening my state more. I began to frantically text my mum, begging her to come and get me. I began to walk home but found it difficult. I then sat on a curb and waited for my mum. I sat there in hysterics, fearing for my life, and the people who passed me by stared and whispered; raising my anxiety levels even more.

Eventually, my mum got to me and took me home - I calmed down. However, now I am absolutely terrified to leave my house tomorrow morning. I keep asking myself: What if I have another panic attack? What if people think I'm an attention seeker? What if my mum and/or the teachers think I'm "putting it on"? What if..? What if..? What if..? And, honestly, it's overwhelming.

I'm sorry for just venting. I needed to just let it out.

Hi there,

Venting and getting it out of your head is good :)

I know the "what if?" thing all too well. The best way to look at it is to think "what if those things don't happen?" How many times have you gone over stuff in your head and it turned out completely different to what you imagined?

Also, try and calm your mind and body down with some exercise or something you like doing. Then you'll be able to think more clearly. At the moment your thoughts are racing and creating worst case scenarios.

You'll be okay :) Just try and take it easy.
Gypsy

Venting is definitely the best start. What worked for me;
1. Diaphgramatic breathing. Google it. Once you practice for a while you can do it in public without anyone knowing.
2. You have to learn, no matter how hard, not to give a shit what anyone else thinks about you. You are clearly more intelligent than most people out there given your writing skills.
By the sounds of it you are still at school, and you will more than likely grow out of it.
Stay strong and I wish you all the best.

Diaphragmatic breathing is perhaps the best thing you can ever do for anxiety

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gypsylee

Hi there,

Venting and getting it out of your head is good :)

I know the "what if?" thing all too well. The best way to look at it is to think "what if those things don't happen?" How many times have you gone over stuff in your head and it turned out completely different to what you imagined?

Also, try and calm your mind and body down with some exercise or something you like doing. Then you'll be able to think more clearly. At the moment your thoughts are racing and creating worst case scenarios.

You'll be okay :) Just try and take it easy.
Gypsy

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Thank you :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by musgravellis

Venting is definitely the best start. What worked for me;
1. Diaphgramatic breathing. Google it. Once you practice for a while you can do it in public without anyone knowing.
2. You have to learn, no matter how hard, not to give a shit what anyone else thinks about you. You are clearly more intelligent than most people out there given your writing skills.
By the sounds of it you are still at school, and you will more than likely grow out of it.
Stay strong and I wish you all the best.

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Thank you :))