TeenHealthFX - Answers - Scared And Dizzy During School Exams

Worries, Fears and Anxiety Disorders / Question
Published: January 31, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

People say that I have the perfect life, and I really do. The only problem is me. In school exams recently I have been completely losing it. The other day I started shaking so much and I couldn't breathe normally so they sent me outside. It was so scary and I felt almost dizzy and unreal. Thing is everyone thinks that I always make such a fuss. One of my friends said I was attention seeking and the teacher said that I always like to make a fuss, as I overheard this. My intention was never to make a fuss or get attention, it upsets me that people would ever even think that. I always feel on edge now and am paranoid about what people think of me. I hate myself so much, it is becoming unbearable. I can't make anymore of a fuss, sometimes I know it would be better if I wasn't around. What am I meant to do now and how can I change myself?

Signed: Scared And Dizzy During School Exams

Dear Scared And Dizzy During School Exams,

Having trouble breathing and feeling dizzy can be related to certain underlying medical conditions. But if happens mainly during tests than there is a good chance that your physical symptoms are a result of some kind of anxiety disorder. FX thinks that it is important for you to meet with your primary care physician so that he/she can determine if there are any underlying medical conditions contributing to your physical symptoms. If not, FX recommends that you meet with a mental health professional who can determine whether you are dealing with an anxiety disorder, and can work with you on developing an effective treatment plan in the event that you are. It might be helpful for you to take anti-anxiety medications, and it might also be helpful for you to learn behavioral techniques that will reduce anxiety before stressful situations like tests. In addition, a therapist may also want to meet with you and your parents to determine if there is any kind of stress in the home or unusually high expectations about your academic performance that might be influencing your behavior around tests. A therapist could work with your parents on being there for you in a more supportive and helpful way, and changing any unreasonably high expectations.

As for the attention-seeking issue, many people see attention-seeking behaviors as this negative thing. However, FX thinks that attention-seeking behaviors are perfectly normal. Humans are generally social creatures who want to feel love and acceptance from the people closest to them. If they do not find it with their families or closest friends, they may exhibit “attention-seeking” behaviors elsewhere. But FX does not think this is something to be critical about – but something to be understanding about. FX is not saying that we think you are exhibiting attention-seeking behaviors, but just pointing out that whether you are or are not, try not to focus too much on it. People will think what they will, and there is not always much we can do about it. Just concentrate on doing what you have to for you – and meet with your doctor and a mental health professional so that you can get the help you need to deal with these symptoms.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

Since you did mention that sometimes you feel like it would be better if you weren’t around, FX wants strongly recommends that if you get to the point that you are seriously considering suicide or are afraid of your impulses then you need to seek help immediately. You can call 911 or go to your nearest hospital emergency room. In northern New Jersey you can also call the crisis hotline from Morristown Memorial hospital at 973-540-0100. Outside this area call the Suicide & Crisis Hotline, 1-800-999-9999, 24 hours, 7 days a week.

Signed: TeenHealthFX