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😿

So I was supposed to hang out with my friends on Saturday, but I had a panic attack as I was leaving, and didn’t go. I thought they’d be fine with it once I explained it, but instead they’re telling me that my anxiety is my fault, and that I’m probably faking it. Can someone please tell me how to fix this? 

💚

Green_Tea
Green_TeaPosted 14-08-2024 07:50 AM

Comments

 
LittlePisces
LittlePiscesPosted 18-08-2024 07:56 PM

Hi @Green_Tea

 

It sounds like hanging out with your friends was something you were looking forward to, unfortunately you experienced a panic attack. Once you tried to communicate this to your friends openly, they were dissmissive, shifted the blame onto you, and completely invalidated your experience. I'm wondering how it felt to have your friends respond to you in this way during a tough time where you needed their support and understanding?

 

I also wanted to clarify what you wanted to 'fix', was this in relation to your anxiety or this particular instance with your friends? 😊

 

As someone who has previously struggled with anxiety and panic attacks, I completely understand you and would like to tell you that experiencing a panic attack is not your fault.  

 

I truly hope you have been feeling better, how have you been managing your feelings in the last couple of days? 

 

Thank you so much for reaching out, looking forward to hearing from you 🤗

 
Green_Ghost
Green_GhostPosted 14-08-2024 06:16 PM

Hi @Green_Tea I'm so sorry that your friends said those things to you. That sounds hurtful and I'm sure you weren't faking it.

 

Are you getting any help or treatment for your anxiety? Are these panic attacks happening often? If so, it might be a good idea to consult your GP and a therapist so that they can help guide you through how to cope with these feelings. Other users have provided some great links in the comments too!

 

I want to reiterate, as Matcha_Toad said, it is not your fault that you experienced this as you were about to leave, or that you experience anxiety in general. Sometimes anxiety can ambush us at the worst of times. I'm sure you wanted to see your friends. Perhaps they felt a bit hurt that they didn't get to see you, and took it a bit personally? Though this isn't a good reason for accusing you of faking it.

 

In the meantime, please look after yourself and practice some self-care 💚

 
Matcha_Toad
Matcha_ToadPosted 14-08-2024 10:16 AM

Hi @Green_Tea (btw I love your username!)

 

I see that this is your first post here so I wanted to wish you a warm welcome to ReachOut, and I am very proud of you for opening up to us all.

 

I am so sorry to hear that your friends did not take your panic attack seriously, and believe that your anxiety is your fault and that you're faking it; panic/anxiety attacks are very much real and should be taken seriously, it is also not your fault for having anxiety!

 

Have you experienced anxiety/panic attacks previously? Have you seen a GP or mental health professional like a counsellor about it? Would you be open to seeing one? I'm also curious to know if your family knows about your anxiety/panic attacks. Having support in place is so important, especially since our friends don't understand or take our mental health seriously.

 

I do also recommend getting in contact with Kids Helpline and/or Headspace for support, being able to talk to a professional about this can really help, they can also give you vital tools and strategies to manage your anxiety/panic attacks. 

 

Be gentle and kind to yourself, and try to do at least one thing that you enjoy doing today. I look forward to hearing from you.

 

- Matcha_Toad 🐸🍵💚

 
LilacLeopard14
LilacLeopard14Posted 14-08-2024 09:11 AM

Hi @Green_Tea💘


I am so sorry your friends have been so invalidating and unsupportive towards you. That is so unfair, and the anxiety is definitely not your fault. ❤️‍🩹

 

Are you receiving any support for your anxiety at the moment? Reaching out to a GP or other professional could help you on the way to managing your anxiety if you feel like it's currently impacting your life too much. Also, is there anyone else to support you at the moment besides these friends? Maybe a family member? You deserve to be validated and respected during these situations.


Be sure to check out the Anxiety space here on ReachOut - including How to manage anxiety and How to get help for anxiety , they may be helpful. 

 

sending love, and hope to speak soon 🫶🏻

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