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“No, I Am NOT Faking It!” – The Hidden Struggles of Teen “Panic Attacks”
  • February 27, 2025
  • Comments: 367
  • Posted by: cbtkeadmin

In 2003, during my shadowing experience under psychiatrists and other allied professionals in a psychiatric hospital in Nairobi, I witnessed firsthand the hidden struggles of teenagers battling “panic attacks” and “episodes”, which are commonly used by teenagers to describe severe stress that manifests through physical symptoms.

Some of the teens referred for assessment were so debilitated that they had to be wheeled in. Others had lost their vision, experienced hallucinations, heard voices, or suffered from fainting spells. Many arrived with bags full of prescription drugs from multiple institutions where they had sought help.

A battery of physical tests would often be conducted, yet the results repeatedly turned out negative. While outsiders might assume these symptoms were exaggerated, feigned, or attention-seeking, mental health professionals recognized them as physical manifestations of severe stress and unresolved emotional turmoil.

The accumulation of unspoken and unaddressed childhood stressors often erupted into physical symptoms at a critical stage of growth and development. This is not to say that all cases were purely psychological; some involved medical conditions such as seizures.

In most instances, the underlying issues included unresolved abandonment, unprocessed grief, bullying, parental divorce, pressure to be a role model for younger siblings or the relentless expectation to excel academically.

The more we dismiss, disbelieve, or minimize a teenager’s struggles, the more intense their symptoms manifest. Unfortunately, due to the unpredictability of these episodes, overwhelmed caregivers find themselves taking an indefinite leave from work, overcompensating in their care and inadvertently reinforcing the cycle of panic attacks while trying to manage the physical manifestations.

When parents or guardians constantly anticipate the next episode, they panic every time the school calls, fearing bad news.

Seizures often coexist with these “episodes”.

Seizures are neurological conditions that affect cognitive function, and they can be managed with medication and stress management techniques. This is why it is crucial not to dismiss these “episodes “as mere attention-seeking behavior.

In reality, feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with past or ongoing stressors is often a key factor behind these “episodes”. The pre-teen and teenage years are an exciting yet challenging phase of life. When we acknowledge the intensity of this stage and work closely with teenagers navigating through crisis, identity formation, and peer pressure, we can provide the support they so desperately need.

When guardians and caregivers truly listen, understand, and support teenagers, life begins to make sense. By equipping them with effective coping skills, we empower them to manage their struggles rather than be consumed by them. More often than not, when we witness these “episodes”, they are not seeking attention but understanding. When they feel ignored or dismissed by the adults in their lives, they may retreat into excessive screen time, over reading, stealing, and over-gaming, gambling, or seeking validation in unhealthy relationships.

Many teenagers express dissatisfaction with being treated like children. They only want validation, affection and respect as they learn to make their own decisions. They want the opportunity to voice their opinions, learn from their mistakes and grow.

Not to be coerced but supported in their attempts to improve. It is, therefore, critical to work hand in hand with teenagers as they navigate this critical stage of life.

Seeking assistance from mental health professionals and utilizing community resources is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step toward fostering their well-being. Understanding, guidance and timely intervention can make all the difference.

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Author: cbtkeadmin

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