This is me.
My anxiety kind of came out of nowhere this school year. I went form being the most chatty and smily person in the crowd to not really talking unless I have to to make it look like I'm ok and my smile is almost always fake now.
I have had 6 panic attacks so far in the past couple months. My parents don't know about my anxiety or panic attacks and I am trying to figure out how to tell them. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can tell my parents about my anxiety and panic attacks without them overreacting or not believing me?
@imaginativePenguin1204
Hi Penguin. First of all, I'm so sorry to hear that your parents' past actions have led you to think that they won't believe you or that they will overact. Your best course of action may be to just be honest with them and tell them what has been happening. They may have experienced this in the past and give you some guidance/resources. You can also tell another trusted adult who may be able to have a mature conversation with them. Hope this helps.
Cheers! <3
@imaginativePenguin1204
I'm so sorry to hear that you're struggling right now. Anxiety can be very distressing and lonely and it's very scary to put yourself out there when talking about it. So it's very brave of you for taking this step.
It might help to set aside a time to talk to your parents so that you can be in the right frame of mind before hand and so that they won't be distracted by anything else.
As @Thanhx4 mentioned a trusted adult being present might also help as a mediater.
Above all it's okay if you get emotional during this conversation. That's a normal reaction to stress and it's totally valid. So if you do become emotional during this conversation with your parents, don't be too hard on yourself for it or be afraid to take a minute to gather your thoughts.
You got this. I believe in you and I hope it goes well❤️❤️❤️
@imaginativePenguin1204
Hello Penguin,
I am sorry to hear you are struggling with such a hard time with anxiety right now. Anxiety can make you feel so much at once and it cannot be easy to deal with especially with also dealing with school. As Thanhx4 said, I am also sorry to hear that your parent's actions have made you feel as though they would overreact on you. This might not happen. Most parents want to know their child is okay, it can be hard for them to accept when they find out they are not okay but usually they want your best interest in mind.
What do you think would happen if you talked to them? Do you have any other adult that you are comfortable with enough to talk to them? an Aunt? Uncle? Guidance councilor? Anxiety is very tricky and can make you think the worst out of a small situation so I understand being to scared to talk to your parents.
I believe in you! Best of luck! :)
@imaginativePenguin1204
hey! What you're going through must be tough and difficult to deal with on your own. Although your parents' actions may have led you to believe that they will not give an ideal response, it's probably best to approach them in an honest manner because what you're going through shouldn't be brushed off. They could give you the support you need and help you navigate your mental health journey together. Best of luck!
@imaginativePenguin1204
Hey there,
I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone in what you're going through. It must have been quite a shock for you to experience such a sudden shift in your emotions and behavior this school year. It sounds like you've been dealing with a lot, especially considering how your anxiety has changed the way you interact with others and even how you feel inside.
Those panic attacks you've been facing must be really tough. Remember that you're incredibly brave for dealing with them. It's important to find the right time and approach to talk to your parents about what you're experiencing. Sharing your feelings with them could lead to more understanding and support, which might make this journey a bit easier.
When it comes to discussing your anxiety and panic attacks with your parents, it might help to have a calm and honest conversation. You could find a quiet and comfortable space where you can sit down and explain what you've been going through. Sharing your feelings, thoughts, and experiences might give them a clearer picture of what's happening.
It's natural to worry about their reaction, but remember that they care about you and want the best for you. You might want to explain to them that you're seeking their support and understanding, rather than their immediate solutions. If you have any resources or information about anxiety and panic attacks, you could share those with them to help them understand better.
Opening up about your struggles can be difficult, but it's a step toward getting the help you need. And seeking professional guidance, such as from a therapist or counselor, might also be beneficial as you navigate through this challenging time. Just know that there's a whole community here for you, and your strength in sharing your feelings and seeking help is truly inspiring.
Hi imaginativePenguin1204
I’m really sorry to hear that you are facing these struggles. I know how overwhelming anxiety can feel, and I hope you can give yourself some grace as you work through these challenges.
You will know your parents best and how they may react, but always remember that facing this journey with honesty and openness will allow everyone the space to move through this experience with love and support.
Always remember that you aren’t alone in this as you have your family here at 7 Cups to support you however we can.
@imaginativePenguin1204
Hi Penguin,
I am sorry to hear you are struggling with with anxiety right now. I hope you are doing better now! I understand it can get difficult to communicate your struggles to your parents during school due to fear of over-reaction however, parents want the best for us and even if they initially struggle to understand, but eventually they will.
You could also communicate to any adult who you could trust like your close family, or school counsellor.
Anxiety can feel overwhelming but with appropriate resources, it does get better!
It will be okay! All the best! <3 :)
@imaginativePenguin1204
Hi Penguin! I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this, it must’ve been difficult. I know it’s not easy dealing with anxiety, and I’m proud of you for seeking help regarding it. It’s also not easy telling your parents about it; with having to consider how they will react to it. The best thing for you to do about your situation is to try and tell them slowly and calmly, you can try to tell them little by little about how you’re feeling, until you feel comfortable enough to do so. It’s not easy, but I know you can do it.
I’m rooting for you! I know you’ll get through this. 🤍
@imaginativePenguin1204
Hello Penguin,
I'm really sorry to hear that you've been going through such a challenging time with your anxiety and panic attacks. It must be incredibly tough to experience this shift in your well-being and to feel like you need to put on a facade to make it seem like you're okay. It takes a lot of courage to reach out and seek advice on how to talk to your parents about this.
When you decide to have this conversation with your parents, it might help to start by expressing your feelings and letting them know how you've been struggling lately. You can say something like, "I've been feeling really different this school year, and I wanted to talk to you about it." This can set the stage for an open and empathetic discussion.
Let them know that you value their support and that you're sharing this with them because you trust them. Explain your experiences with the panic attacks and how they've been affecting you. Reassure them that you're looking for their understanding and support as you work through this together.
Remember, it's okay to share your vulnerability, and your parents may surprise you with their empathy and willingness to help once they understand what you're going through. They care about your well-being, and knowing that you're not alone in this journey can be a significant source of comfort and support.
Take care of yourself ❤️🙏🏻