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I'm embarassed about having had a panic attack in public. How can i cope with these feelings of humiliation?

13 Answers
Last Updated: 11/28/2017 at 10:22pm
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
jakfullofwandering
September 5th, 2016 4:46pm
I've been there and that is so very hard. I am firstly so sorry you had a panic attack, and in public. Know that it is certainly not as big a deal to them as it was you. Also know that you got through this panic attack and at least one person is extremely proud of you, me :)
avanef
March 20th, 2017 8:27pm
Honestly, anxiety attacks are more common than you'd think. I know a lot of people who have those and I don't think twice about it. Not to mention, some people are kind enough to help you. I don't think anyone will embarrass you, they'll help you out and make sure things will be okay.
Korlix44
December 22nd, 2015 11:39am
While I don't understand why you would feel humiliated about that. everyone gets nervous some more than others. If anyone was staring at you they were probably just confused or didn't know how to help. its nothing to be humiliated about.
HappyListener28
January 16th, 2017 3:05pm
Never feel ashamed or humiliated, we live in stressful times, learn to focus on yourself. I can imagine this is something many members of the 7 cups of tea community have encounter or experienced, so remember you're a not alone with this. People struggle with anxiety, depression, panic attacks on a daily basis, some just disguise it very well. Nowadays we have more knowledge about anxiety, depression etc and people are more understanding now than they ever have been. Don't feel humiliated, try to focus on helping yourself through the attack instead of focusing on others which in affect will panic you more. Deep breathes and find a quiet place, think of something that makes you happy something calming, maybe a piece of music? A picture of a loved one or friend. In time these attacks will become easier to deal with. Keep strong and remember you're not alone. :)
CompassionateMoonChild
October 23rd, 2017 7:31pm
I have always found humiliation to mean that I am not loveable because of what I did or what happened. I think it's a misconception that having panick attacks means weakness. I have experienced a panic attack and man I can tell you, they suck. It's hard, it's painful, it feels like I'm about to die. And then I survive. Of course panic attacks and anxiety can be overcome. Life is much easier without that. But until then you are a warrior fighting your way back out. And that is nothing to be humiliated by. And at the same time, you are growing through your experience, the people around you are challenged. To become a society where we can hold each other's pain without judgement. It sounds to me you are contributing on many levels.
Anonymous
January 24th, 2015 10:13pm
Embarrassment is a natural part of life, but there are many ways to cope with humiliation. When I feel humiliated, I do mindfulness activities, such as meditation. I also enjoy exercise and housework to feel less humiliated.
Anonymous
July 6th, 2015 11:06am
Seek help with a person you close to. It is normal. It may feel like all eyes are on you but they aren't.
Anonymous
November 16th, 2015 8:47am
firstly we need to understand that the public are very normal people just like us. we should understand that they do not give as much time we give thinking how they will judge us, but sometimes its better to just be yourself and happy for who you are.
Anonymous
November 23rd, 2015 2:22am
There is no need to feel embarrassed! I always carry something in my pockets that I can fiddle with when I am anxious. It helps me before I have an attack
Anonymous
June 27th, 2016 4:38pm
Panic attacks alone can be a really stressful, horrible experience, but in public the situation can feel a lot worse, After the panic attack has happened it is important to take care of yourself and de-stress and unwind when possible, although these situations can make us feel embarassed we can grow from them, one slip up should never stop us from overcoming our fears, and our anxiety, and with each new day we can all work on learning more about our triggers and methods of coping (breathing exercises, yoga, meditation) to help us along in the process of moving on from this experience.
Zayda734
November 14th, 2016 4:37am
Panic attacks are scary, and having them in public can be even scarier. But if you sit down on a bench, a chair, even against a wall and just breath and allow yourself to calm down, you'll feel so much better and I promise you, no one will think anything of it. It can feel like everyone is staring, but that's just social anxiety and it's in your head. Work through your panic attack and even if it's in public, you'll survive and trust me, you'll be ok.
Anonymous
November 13th, 2017 8:37pm
Do not be ashamed of it. Try to concentrate on your breathing to calm a bit. There is no reason for you to be ashamed. Anxiety is normal. It is actually really strong to be open about it.
Anonymous
November 28th, 2017 10:22pm
Please try not to be embarrased, it may be scary and humiliating for yourself at the time but remember not everyone is judging you, breath and focus on yourself and your mind. You have no reason to be embarrassed.

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