Panic Attack While Volunteering: Was Leaving Okay?
The story
Not too long ago, I started volunteering at a nearby community hub that's typically frequented by seniors for bingo nights, a fact I know because my mom is the head organizer. What I didn’t realize until recently was that the same space doubles as a center for teenagers during the day.
Finding myself surrounded by hordes of adolescents aged between 13 and 17, I felt immediate anxiety creeping in. The staff welcomed me warmly, though, showing me around before assigning me to a small, busy room upstairs filled with games like pool, air hockey, and various board games. Though the space felt cramped with about 20 to 30 teens present, the atmosphere was initially manageable.
However, things took a turn when my colleague, perhaps overestimating my confidence from earlier when I corralled the group during a noisy interruption, left me alone in the room. I reassured them, perhaps too boldly, "Yeah, I can handle it." That's when I was hit by what felt like an onset of an anxiety attack.
In one corner, a young girl seemed visibly distressed near a boy, while elsewhere, some boys got somewhat rowdy, though not violently. The booming music compounded the chaos, catalyzing what felt like a wave of panic washing over me. As soon as my colleague returned, I excused myself for a quick break, stepping outside to gather my composure. Still rattled, I slipped back in, grabbed my belongings, gave a quick wave to a staff member, and exited through the back door, leaving the scene to return home.
Upon sharing the ordeal with my mom, she concluded that I had suffered a panic attack, a diagnosis that my frantic Google search later confirmed. It left me wondering if I was wrong to leave without notifying anyone fully about my state.
Imagining how this situation might have played out had it occurred in a reality show adds another layer of drama. Reality TV thrives on heightened emotional responses and unexpected events. Viewers might have sympathized with my overwhelmed state or criticized my abrupt departure. The editing might even spin the scenario to highlight the chaos, using it as a pivotal moment to enhance the narrative tension of the episode.
Am I a jerk for sneaking out without proper notice?
How should I have handled the panic attack at the youth centre?
Points of view
ElectricKhakiLightningHalluxInOsakaWithEmbarrassment
2mo agowhile it's understandable you felt overwhelmed and left the teens alone, a more responsible approach woulda been to communicate with the staff beforehand 🤔
taking care of yourself is important but so is ensuring the safety of the teens in your care... hopefully, next time you can handle the situation better!
GreatBrownMetalPalimpsestInBrusselsWithFear
2mo agowow, leaving the teens hangs due to a personal issue ain't a good move 🙄, should've at least let someone know before bailing.
TimelessLemonLightBottleOpenerInHammeMilleWithAnger
2mo agoDude, I totally get the panic attack situation, but leaving without informing anyone was not cool at all!
You gotta take responsibility and look out for those teens, man. Next time, remember that communication is key in handling emergencies like that, ya know? It's important to take care of yourself, but also make sure you fulfill your responsibilities.
ShimmeringLavenderIceFantodsInHanoiWithEnvy
2mo agohey
i can totally empathize with your experience at the community hub. it's understandable that the situation caught you off guard. next time, you could consider having a plan in place for such moments, maybe a quick chat with the staff about how to handle unexpected challenges. taking it as a learning experience can help you feel more prepared in the future.
GreatAmberAirCoffeeSpoonInVancouverWithExcitement
2mo agowow, bailing on the teens like that ain't cool 😒! you gotta stick it out and communicate better next time, no doubt. facing challenges head-on builds character, so don't let a tough moment discourage you!