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How do I tell my parents that I suffer from panic attacks?

14 Answers
Last Updated: 11/15/2021 at 5:55pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
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Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
ShanChan09
April 11th, 2016 6:40pm
Sometimes it can be hard to speak directly to parents about issues such as this for fear fear of them getting the wrong idea,, not understanding, or not being able to explain how you're feeling right. From personal experience, I found writing a letter rather helpful. I wrote a letter explaining my panic attacks, how they made/make me feel and why I was writing the letter as opposed to speaking to them directly. I then left it where I knew they would find it and it went from there. Writing a letter meant I could think about what I wanted to say and it also gave them a chance to re-read my words and understand how I was feeling a bit better.
Anonymous
December 29th, 2015 10:57pm
You have to tell them. It doesn't matter how you do it, but you have to. Just go there and say it. Please
Orchid17
April 28th, 2015 7:48pm
Firstly, take some deep breathes and think about the tone of your voice, body gestures and what you would say. Then test it out in front of friends and get their feedback. Lastly, calmly tell your parents. Once they know, they can help.
Anonymous
March 19th, 2018 4:58pm
Kindly ask them if they have ever had a panic attack before and see if they can relate. Try figure out the cause of the panic attacks if you can. If you can pin point the specific reason, even if the reason you are having them spontaneous for various reasons or none, that is still the cause. If you can do that and describe in detail to your parents you are having panic attacks and the cause. I am sure they will be of help.
playfulMango43
August 4th, 2015 11:09am
Since it is a medical concern, it is very important to let your parents know, there is no shame in it and it will get you the medical help you need. Better you tell them than have the EMS tell them because you had one at school
Anonymous
November 23rd, 2015 2:22am
I would tell them flat out. You don't ever want to edge them on and make them think something else is wrong.
nyehJames89
January 26th, 2016 3:03am
Tell your parents about how you have been facing them and then come out to them and tell them you can't really handle your feelings if it continues to happen.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2017 5:53pm
Try telling your doctor, school counselor, or other trusted adult first if you are concerned about telling your parents directly. They can help you talk to your parents in a more professional manner :)
YogiP
December 26th, 2017 4:50pm
Watch a video with them about panic attacks. It could be a doctor or therapist speaking about them or a sufferer recounting their experiences. Let it sink in a bit, then perhaps ask them their thoughts. That might get a conversation going, and you might then let them know you also suffer from these panic attacks.
Freedangel
January 29th, 2015 9:31pm
Well dependent on their experience with this sort of thing, I would recommend being straightforward. Tell your mother or father that at times you find yourself in an extreme state of panic and anxiety, describing your particular symptoms clearly. Ask that you be taken to a doctor who can help you get a prescription for your anxiety and panic attacks.
WholeHope
May 28th, 2018 2:04am
It can be difficult to tell people you love that you're experiencing something like panic attacks, especially when you don't know how they'll respond. If you feel that it is safe for you to do so, I'd recommend finding a good time to talk and then explaining to them what panic attacks look like for you and when you've been having them. If there are any things that you think they could do to help you before, during, or after a panic attack (like giving you space or helping you stay grounded), be sure to let them know about this as well.
cuddlyDaisy19
March 27th, 2017 4:33pm
You calmly approach them and tell them the situation you were placed in that made you have a panic attack and ask them for help
Anonymous
June 2nd, 2015 9:20pm
Tell them that you had a malaise and explain that it was due to the crowd/a thought/(anything that makes you anxious). They should be alarmed about it and see it as a true disease.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2021 5:55pm
Talking about things such as panic attacks with people close to you can feel very daunting, especially if you feel like their response might not be very helpful. It may be important to prepare and organize your thoughts before sitting down and having this discussion with your parents, such as by writing down or typing it and making sure it clearly states everything you wish to address. You may want to make sure you will be safe after discussing this with your parents, as not everyone may react well to the news. You may also want to refrain from blaming anyone or anything in particular, and instead neutrally discuss the triggers for your panic attacks.

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