Female College Student Allegedly Suffers Anxiety Attack Due to Overwhelming Academic Stress
A college student experienced a severe anxiety attack, believed to be triggered by overwhelming academic pressure.
The student, identified as Jennifer, had been dealing with back-to-back deadlines and major subject defenses when she suddenly found herself struggling to breathe, her chest tightening, and her body freezing up.
“That time po kasi, sunod-sunod, may dalawa pa kaming defense sa major subjects namin. And then sunod-sunod ‘yung day ng defense namin. And then sobrang dami ko pong ginagawa,” Jennifer said.
For almost three months, Jennifer had kept her stress bottled up, trying to manage her schoolwork alone. However, during a conversation with her mother about her deadlines, the pressure became too much.
“Siguro rin po dahil sa sobrang pagod that time, that’s why inatake. First time ko rin po ‘yun na ganoon kalala ‘yung anxiety attack ko,” she added.
A video showing Jennifer in a hospital, breathing into a paper bag to regulate her breathing, circulated online. This method is known to stabilize anxiety attacks.
Medical experts confirmed that Jennifer suffered from an anxiety attack, a condition that not everyone experiences but is a serious issue nonetheless. According to specialists, academic pressure is the leading cause of anxiety among students.
The fear of failing and the overwhelming workload can push students into extreme stress. Bullying, whether from classmates or teachers, is also a common trigger, often leading to panic episodes.
Fortunately, Jennifer has since learned to manage her stress better. She acknowledges that academic pressure will always be there, but she now finds it more manageable compared to previous semesters.
Experts recommend a healthier lifestyle to help prevent anxiety attacks. Getting enough sleep, about seven to nine hours per night, avoiding vices like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and facing personal triggers gradually can help in coping with anxiety.
Seeking support from trusted individuals and consulting specialists are also important steps toward proper treatment.
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