Learn more about supporting your anxious student with Gretchen Keller, LCSW, Elementary Care Coordinator for Parkway School District: “I love early intervention when it comes to mental health concerns! “

Nobody enjoys having a panic attack…

But they're particularly awful when they happen at school. On top of experiencing all of those physical symptoms - shortness of breath, tense muscles, pounding heart - you're worried about how other people will respond to you. 

Don’t judge yourself!

Many people report experiencing panic attacks about panic attacks. Of course it makes sense to wish that you didn’t have to experience them. Or to wish that you were different. But when we judge ourselves, we can make this an unhealthy cycle - the panic, the guilt about the panic, the panic about the guilt about the panic… it’s a panic cycle! So break the cycle, and be kind to yourself. And practice your steps, even before you need them.

During a panic attack, your brain and body respond with a fight/flight/freeze response. 

Typically, you'll notice your heart rate increase, breathing will become more shallow, and your muscles will tense up. You'll experience a strong urge to fight or run away, or you may feel frozen in the situation.

What else could be going on?

Those physical cues of a panic attack could be cause by another medical concern

A lot of my clients with anxiety experience panic attacks - and it's crucial to be proactive. You need a plan before the attack occurs.

What should you do? Make sure you know the signs of panic attacks. And if this isn't your first attack, you have a pretty good idea of how your body has responded to this severe anxiety before. Then...