If you are sent to a school counselor while experiencing an anxiety attack, their primary concern will be your well-being and providing you with immediate support and assistance. School counselors are trained to handle various emotional and mental health issues, including anxiety attacks. Here's how they might react:
Calm and Reassuring Presence: The school counselor will likely remain calm and composed to create a sense of safety and security. Their demeanor will be reassuring, as they understand that anxiety attacks can be distressing.
Create a Safe Space: They will ensure that you have a private and comfortable space to talk and cope with the anxiety attack without feeling judged or overwhelmed.
Validate Your Feelings: The counselor will acknowledge your feelings and reassure you that anxiety attacks are a common experience for many individuals. They will emphasize that what you are going through is valid and understandable.
Encourage Breathing and Grounding Techniques: The counselor may guide you through deep breathing exercises or grounding techniques to help manage the physical and emotional symptoms of the anxiety attack.
Active Listening: They will listen attentively to your concerns and experiences during the anxiety attack without interrupting. Providing an opportunity to express your feelings can be helpful in the coping process.
Provide Coping Strategies: The counselor may share coping strategies and techniques to help you manage anxiety in the future. These strategies might include mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques, or cognitive-behavioral approaches.
Assess Safety: While anxiety attacks are generally not life-threatening, the counselor may briefly assess your safety and well-being to ensure that you are not at immediate risk.
Offer Referrals: Depending on the severity and frequency of your anxiety attacks, the counselor might discuss the option of seeking additional support, such as ongoing counseling, therapy, or involving your parents or guardians to provide further assistance.
Follow-Up Plan: The school counselor may work with you to create a plan for managing anxiety and stress in the future, which may involve ongoing check-ins or regular counseling sessions.
Collaboration with Teachers: If necessary, the counselor may communicate with your teachers to discuss any accommodations or adjustments to help you during challenging times.
Remember that school counselors are there to support you, and seeking help during an anxiety attack is a positive step toward managing your well-being. It's essential to be open and honest about your experiences so that they can provide you with the most appropriate assistance.