978-1-4222-3377-1

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Skipping School

Have you ever woken up in the morning and wished you didn’t have to go to school? Of course you have, because everyone feels that way sometimes. Adults feel that way about going to work sometimes, too. But we go to

school or work anyway, and most of the time, the bad feelings pass once we get there. Some kids with anxiety disorders feel so worried and upset that they refuse to go to school at all. It is understandable that they feel this way, but skipping school is a big problem. These kids don’t just miss their lessons, they also miss out on seeing their friends. Making friends is a huge part of growing up. If your feelings of anxiety are keeping you from school, it’s very important to talk to an adult you trust. You might not believe this, but things can get better.

panic disorder tend to avoid places where they have had panic attacks in the past. People with panic disorder often think their attacks are symptoms of some other terrible disease. They may even think that they are dying or “going crazy.” Sometimes even doctors can’t convince them that they are healthy. The definition of a panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, during which specific symptoms happen very quickly, and peak within 10 minutes. These symptoms include: • heart palpitations (a feeling of fluttering in the heart) • sped-up heart rate • sweating

• trembling or shaking • shortness of breath