A Filipino college student suffered an anxiety attack from school stress, a GMA News report reveals. Jennifer’s story highlights a growing issue among students. Experts urge action as pressure mounts.
Anxiety Attack Strikes Student Amid School Pressure
Jennifer, a college student, faced an anxiety attack during a chat with her mom. Her chest tightened, breathing faltered, and her body froze due to endless deadlines. She links it to back-to-back defenses and heavy workloads.
For three months, she bottled up her academic stress. In a hospital video, she gasps into a paper bag to steady her breath. That moment marked her worst anxiety attack yet, she says.
Dr. Vincent Manuel, an internal medicine and mental health expert, confirms it was an anxiety attack. School pressure tops the list of triggers for students, he notes. Bullying ranks second, often sparking sudden panic.
Coping with Anxiety Attack Triggers
Jennifer recalls her chest tightening and breathing struggles during the anxiety attack. Exhaustion fueled the episode, her first so severe. Now, she manages stress better than last semester, though it lingers.
Dr. Manuel blames intense school demands for many anxiety attack cases. Students fear failing, which piles on stress. He adds that facing triggers gradually helps break the cycle.
Experts push for healthier habits to combat anxiety attack risks. Proper sleep—seven to nine hours—tops the list, says Manuel. Avoiding vices like smoking or drinking also helps, he advises.
Jennifer’s ordeal aired on GMA’s “For You Page,” spotlighting a serious issue. Manuel stresses that anxiety affects anyone, yet coping varies. Openness about mental health fights stigma, he insists.
Students need trusted confidants—parents or friends—to ease anxiety attack fallout. Moreover, seeing a specialist offers real solutions, Manuel says. Ignoring it risks a lifetime struggle.
Jennifer’s story resonates as academic loads crush many. Still, experts see hope in lifestyle tweaks and support. Anxiety attack awareness grows with tales like hers.

Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.