Panic attack or what?

This might be long since I’m telling a story.

A month ago I was having a school camping. The teacher punish us for not following the order fast enough. We have to run two laps around the camp spot. I did tell the teacher that I recently got diagnosed that I have sport anaemia (?) and tell the teacher that I can’t run so the teacher told me to just walk but I’m not sure if he really did mean it or not (he doesn’t sound serious about me walking when he said it or it might be just me worrying).

As we lined up and start running, I also run with them because I think I should also do what others are doing and not giving excuse. On the second lap while running and panting, I did tell myself something like “don’t faint, don’t faint…!"

As we reach our place, I instantly sit on the ground while panting very hard. The person next to me saw me panting and ask “Are you okey?" And in that moment, my breath becomes heavier and it’s very hard for me to breathe. Like it’s very easy to exhale but very, VERY hard to inhale.

Everyone there saw me struggling to breathe and crying on the floor while I also covering my mouth with my hands because I feel like I’m attracting too much attention. The counselor ask me if I bring any medicine and I nod and then she ask someone to get it for me. After that she help me get up and sit on a chair and give me my medicine and water. After some minutes, she ask me if my chest feels hurt when I was having a hard time breathing and I nod. She said “if it’s anaemia, your chest won’t hurt." So that time I’m thinking, is it panic attack then?

Also another time, when I walk out of my room and not wearing my hijab, I saw an unknown guy (room service) and quickly went back inside my room and shut the door close because I was surprised to see him unexpectedly. I went to the bed and kneel down and I suddenly experience the same event which is the breathing problem.

And then that give me an idea that it might not have anything to do with anaemia, is it panic attack or anxiety attack? Are they the same thing? Or does it actually have something to do with anaemia since I’ve never have a breathing problem THIS bad.
I’m confused…

Hey @Meo , thank you for sharing your story—it sounds like you’ve been through some tough experiences, and I can only imagine how scary those moments must have felt for you. You’ve been really brave to share this with us and you’ve done well to reflect on what might be going on.

Have you considered speaking with a professional about what you’ve experienced? A doctor or counsellor could help you better understand what might be happening and give you guidance on how to manage it. Self-diagnosing based on what you read online or hear from non-professionals can sometimes be confusing or even lead to misunderstandings about your health.

Since you’re a student, perhaps there’s an opportunity to speak to your school counsellor about this? They might be able to offer support, talk through your experiences, and even guide you towards any further help you might need.

But meanwhile, do continue to let us know how you are. You’re not alone in this, and I think that it’s great that you’re already reflecting on what might be happening—that’s a strong first step towards understanding and managing it. :slight_smile:

Sorry for the late reply! @ZenCat

I don’t think I’m brave enough to talk to the school counsellor about this or to go see a professional since I often feel like this problem is not that bad to the point I had to see a professional because it’s rarely happens too (or maybe right now I rarely meet people because of school holidays).

Right now I’m fine though, no difficulty breathing happen recently, just overthinking as always.

Can I ask a different topic question?
How to stop feeling scared of being judge?

Hi @Meo,

I would like to take this opportunity to assure you that it’s perfectly okay to seek counselling even if you feel your issue isn’t “serious.” Sometimes, talking to a counsellor can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for those moments of overthinking or stress. It’s about taking care of your mental well-being, no matter the size of the problem. Remember, you don’t have to wait until things get worse to reach out for support.

Just like we don’t only visit the doctor when we’re seriously ill, it’s healthy and proactive to talk to a professional whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed. Taking this step shows strength and a commitment to your own well-being.

Danial
Befriender, let’s talk by mindline.sg

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Hi @Meo

Thank you for reaching. You asked for help to feel less scared of being judged in your last post.

I believe that the fear of being judged is a common phobia! Overcoming it takes time, self-reflection, and practice. Here are some tips to help you build confidence and reduce your fear:

Self-Reflection

  1. Identify your triggers: What situations, people, or events make you feel judged?
  2. Understand your values: What matters most to you? Focus on your strengths and values.
  3. Recognise negative self-talk: Notice when you’re self-critical. Challenge those thoughts with kindness and realism.

Building Confidence

  1. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience.
  2. Focus on your strengths: Celebrate your accomplishments and abilities.
  3. Take small risks: Step out of your comfort zone gradually, building confidence in new situations.

Reframing Judgment

  1. Separate opinion from fact: Remember that others’ opinions are subjective, not objective truths.
  2. Realize that judgment is inevitable: Not everyone will like or approve of you. That’s okay!
  3. Focus on what you can control: Instead of worrying about others’ judgments, focus on your actions and reactions.

Mindfulness and Self-Care

  1. Practice mindfulness: Regular mindfulness exercises can help you stay present and centered.
  2. Engage in self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
  3. Surround yourself with positivity: Spend time with supportive people who uplift and encourage you.

Gradual Exposure

  1. Start small: Begin with low-stakes situations where you can practice being yourself without fear of judgment.
  2. Gradually increase exposure: As you become more confident, take on more challenging situations.
  3. Celebrate successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Remember, overcoming the fear of being judged is a journey. Be patient, kind, and compassionate with yourself as you work through these steps.:heart:

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