mental-health/anxiety

I think I'm having panic attacks but I can't tell my parents

Save

The first time, I thought something was wrong with my heart, chest tight, hands numb, too bright, by my locker. Now I avoid the places it hit me. I looked it up, started a telehealth form, then hit the parent part and closed it. I'm 16 and can't explain why without explaining everything.

Last updated: July 2026

Talk to a clinician

Gale can help you find a clinician in your state and request a visit.

Find care →

What this can feel like

The first time it happened I honestly thought something was wrong with my heart. I was standing by my locker and out of nowhere my chest got tight, my hands went numb, everything felt too bright and too loud, and I was sure I was going to pass out in front of everybody. It passed, but now I'm scared of it happening again, so I've started avoiding the places it hit me, and my world is getting kind of small. In between I just feel low and worn down, like I'm bracing all the time. There's also stuff I'm dealing with that I'm not out about at home, and that's part of the weight, but that's a whole other thing. I looked up how to feel like you're having a heart attack but you're fine, and everything pointed to panic attacks, which was almost a relief. Then I read I could maybe talk to someone online, and I actually started filling out a form for a telehealth thing, until I got to the part about a parent or guardian and just closed it. I'm 16, I can't exactly explain to my parents why I need this without explaining everything else. So I'm stuck, kind of knowing what it probably is and not being able to do the obvious next thing.

What's a first step I can take?

'What does the world getting small look like day to day?' 'What would a first step look like that doesn't touch the stuff you're not ready to share?'

Common questions

Panic attacks can genuinely feel like a heart problem, tight chest, numb hands, everything too loud, sure you'll pass out, and then they pass. It is still worth getting checked once so you can rule things out, but this pattern is a classic panic response, not weakness.

It depends where you live, some places let teens consent to certain mental health care on their own, and school counselors and youth lines are confidential starting points. You can ask what a service needs before you share anything you're not ready to.

You are allowed to get help for the panic and the low feeling without explaining anything else about yourself. A good counselor follows your lead and never pressures you to disclose more than you choose.

Related

Say it back

How would you explain this to someone you love?

Two or three sentences, just as you’d say it. Gale reflects back what you focused on — a mirror, not a quiz.

If things feel heavy, a person is available anytime — call or text 988.

Talk to a clinician

Gale can help you find a clinician in your state and request a visit.

Find care →

When to reach out for more help

  • —panic that feels constant or that you can't bring down
  • —avoiding so many places that your world keeps shrinking
  • —thoughts of not wanting to be here or of hurting yourself

Call or text 988 - the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, free and 24/7. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. If something ever feels unsafe, use the emergency options above.

← Back to the health library