I'm not sure if I had a panic attack or not.... help

So I was at school and everyone started talking about a tornado. My heart dropped. I get severe anxiety when there is storms around. Of course being in school there a bunch of immature boys around joking about how we were all going to die. It got to me I started to cry and I was having trouble breathing. By this time everything stopped including the rain and my friend walked me to my bus. I forgot about it and than when I got home I got in bed and got on my phone. A little bit later I checked the weather. It was worse, much worse. I started panicking and went to my mom hoping it was some sort of precaution. Nope. She told me to get my brother and for all of us to go downstairs. All my family was in the living room and I was the only one standing as the rain dropped on the roof loudly, I started crying again. I couldn't breathe and I was shaking badly. All I could think about was the worst outcome. I started coughing and I finally focused on my breathing. It helped. I was told that the storm was gone and we were all okay. Our plans were to go out for dinner and of course since the storm was over we went.(I still didn't want to go) We ate and than right when we were almost done there was alert about the tornado but this time is like on top of where we live. Again I started shaking badly and crying and I could barely breathe. Eventually everything settled down and I was fine.



I'm not sure if I'm just afraid but it was bad. Sorry it's long I just haven't talked to anyone about it. If you were I do tend get anxious. So no this isn't the first time.

Hi T is G!

I am sorry you went through such a rough day full of panic...I am sure you must feel exhausted!

Are storms/tornados the only trigger so far to bring on this type of anxiety...or are there other situations, or even out of the blue attacks?

Some people are phobic towards certain things, and will only be triggered when faced with their fear. Other people can have anxiety in any situation...even in a seemingly calm state.

If you only get panicked during storms/tornados...then you can do exactly as you did tonight...use your tools like breathing and positive mantras to get you through.

If however, this is something that happens frequently...and/or is affecting the quality of your life and keeping you from doing things you want/need to do...

...then it is time to look for help from your parents, doctor and/or school counselor. Any trusted adult who can get you moving in the right direction for treatment.

I hope that these responses have given you some of the answers you hoped for. Post with us anytime for anxiety support...we understand and care!

Scaredy Cat