TeenHealthFX - Answers - Uncomfortable That My Teacher Now Knows About My History Of Panic Attacks

Worries, Fears and Anxiety Disorders / Question
Published: October 30, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

So, the other day I was sitting in math class and started to stress out a bit. Then, in front of the whole class, my teacher asked me if I was ok. I said that I was fine, but when he looked at me in the eye I suddenly felt differently, like maybe I really wasn't ok. I felt really uncomfortable until the end of class when he approached me again and asked me the same question. I told him I was fine, but told him that I have a history of panic attacks and he didn't say much after that. I don't know what it is, but now I can't stop thinking about it. I have no idea why I told my teacher this information because I have been fine for months. I think I just panicked because i was caught off guard. I'm very embarrassed and now I really don't want to face my teacher again. I'm afraid that now he will just read my facial expression and I really don't want any more attention. I just feel so awkward and I sit in the front row. I honestly think that's the first time anyones ever had any concern for me besides my parents and I seriously can't figure out why it's making me go crazy. I just want to understand the situation. I feel so lost.

Signed: Uncomfortable That My Teacher Now Knows About My History Of Panic Attacks

Dear Uncomfortable That My Teacher Now Knows About My History Of Panic Attacks,

There are many possible reasons why your teacher recognizing your distress and learning about your history of panic attacks may be feeling so unnerving to you:

· You may have felt like you were doing a good job covering your anxiety – for your teacher to have recognized that something was wrong may have felt unnerving – that he could see through any kind of mask you were trying to keep on.

· It is possible that you are concerned with what it means to your teacher to know you have this history of panic attacks. Are you worried that he would think more negatively of you, not like you as much, or judge you in any way?

· Since you stated that nobody but your parents has ever taken concern in you and how you are doing, it is possible that you were uncomfortable by this unfamiliar experience. When we are not used to people acting in a certain way – even if it is a positive way of reacting and responding – it can feel uncomfortable and unnerving because we are now in foreign territory. We may feel suspicious, unsure how to respond in such an unusual situation, or wonder about any ulterior motives.

· It sounds like you might also be concerned with what your teacher is going to do with this information. Is he going to ask you about it again? Treat you differently? Talk to your parents or a school counselor? It sounds like you have a habit of keeping these kinds of emotions tightly to yourself – so you may worry about the attention he may bring to this problem and how much you will be asked to talk about it or deal with it.

Again, there are lots of reasons why you are feeling the way you are about this situation with your teacher – we could go on speculating for some time. However, rather than spending time speculating, FX wonders if it would make you feel better to talk to your teacher about it. See if you could catch him before or after class and let him know that you were feeling a little uncomfortable about his asking how you were doing and learning that you have a history of panic attacks. Use the time to express any concerns or ask any question that may be on your mind.

FX also wonders if it would be helpful for you to seek out some kind of professional help with these issues. FX wonders if meeting with a mental health professional could be useful to you in the following ways:

· Helping you to develop and use healthy coping mechanisms to deal with stress.

· Working with you on a treatment plan that will address your panic attacks – to reduce the intensity and frequency of any panic attacks and any general anxiety.

· Helping you process and sort through situations like this one with your teacher.

· Addressing this issue of how much you have felt supported and cared for in your life. It is wonderful that you feel your parents have shown care and concern for you, however, FX is concerned that, as an adolescent, you feel no one else besides them has ever shown any concern towards you. Interpersonal relationships might be an important and helpful focus for you so that you can feel more comfortable in relating with others, as well as supported by adults and peers in your life outside of your family.

FX can appreciate that this situation was an uncomfortable for you. Between your history of panic attacks and the stress you describe, it sounds like you have had your share of dealing with anxiety issues. If you are prone to feeling anxious, then it makes sense you would be feeling anxious about what transpired with your teacher. But try and let go of your thoughts and feelings about this situation, and focus more on whether getting some professional help for the anxiety would be of more use to you in the long-run.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Signed: TeenHealthFX