Random Chair

What's your question?

I get panic attacks at home alone. It has only ever happened while I’m alone. I don’t know how to bring it up with my parents. I love them and they are amazing but sometimes it’s hard for me to talk to them. How do I calm down while it’s happening, and how do I bring it up with my parents? They are caused a lot by my friends over text and I don’t know if I should tell them but I also don’t want them to treat me different or get mad at me. What should I do?

Mr. Bobcat:

Hey random chair! Panic attacks are nothing to be ashamed of. If you feel comfortable telling your parents, just be straight up with them and tell them. If you're not comfortable with telling them, then you should at least find someone to talk to about it because it isn't good to keep it in or shove it down. There are a bunch of people here at school you can talk to: counselors, trusted teachers, and even the friends you know are good.  With your friends, if they’re treating you badly and it's affecting you mentally, you need to tell them and you can even tell them that you don't want them to see you differently but that there is an issue. If they are true friends, they shouldn't get mad. They should understand and be willing to help. To help you calm down when an attack is happening, try to find one thing to focus on like counting something, or think about something calming. Music is always a good thing. But find something you know will help calm you. Know that you aren't alone!