How to Deal with Fainting at School

Co-authored by Andrea Rudominer, MD, MPH

Last Updated: March 3, 2024 Approved

So, you fainted or felt faint at school? If you feel embarrassed about it in the aftermath, or you want to know how to deal with it when it is happening, read on.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

When It Is Happening

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These include Dizziness, blurry vision, fuzzy hearing or ringing in ears, feeling hot, feeling sick, upset stomach, sweating, tiredness, tingling hands, hyperventilation, tunnel vision, unsteadiness and fear.
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Alternatively, let a friend know and let them get you help.

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Make sure, if your teacher doesn't send someone with you, that you ask. This applies, especially, if you have to climb or go down stairs on your way. If you fainted on the stairs, you could seriously hurt yourself
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The first thing she'll probably do is lie you flat. It may feel strange, but she's seen this before. Answer any questions she has honestly and don't lie. Example: If she asks you if you had breakfast and you didn't, don't say you did so she doesn't lecture you.
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If other kids stare at you, don't feel embarrassed. You can deal with that later. In the meantime, think about them in your position.
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If you do, and your parents ask questions, answer them honestly.
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Other kids will most likely be concerned for your health than anything else. Again, think of them in your position.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

The Embarrassment Of The Aftermath

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Although it may be best for you if you have 1 or 2 days off to recover, it can also be difficult to return to the embarrassment. As soon as your physically able, not before, return to school.
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Just say, "Ok, can we talk about, (insert interesting thing), now? This can really help to distract people from what happened to you.
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It may help if you jot your feelings down on paper, in a diary, etc. Then, try to solve them. If you feel embarrassed, think about these people you have to face in your position. Imagine them flat on the floor with their eyes rolled back in their head, looking very scary. If you feel scared about future fainting, consider when you fainted. If you fainted in a hot classroom, if you feel hot, ask to open a window. Don't be afraid to ask. If you fainted in the halls during the change of periods, consider waiting back a few seconds to miss the main crowd. Unless this will make you late for your class. What ever your negative feeling may be, come up with a solution to it.
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If people are still talking about it after a month or so, this may be a good idea anyway. If your friends embarrass you about it, you might want to reconsider this friendship. If they embarrass you, maybe they aren't good friends.
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Tips

Don't get yourself really worked up about fainting. In fact, this can actually cause you to faint again.

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If you feel dizzy, let your teacher know so they can get you to the nurse. Prevention is always better than cure.

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If you can, carry a snack with you. If you faint more than twice at school, this may be a good idea. If you don't feel well between periods or at break, eat your snack. Keep it small, like a breakfast bar. This also serves its purpose when you don't have time for breakfast. Don't eat it in class.

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Warnings

If you feel the slightest bit faint, tell your teacher. It will only get worse if you don't.

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How to Deal with Fainting at School

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When It Is Happening

The Embarrassment Of The Aftermath

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Warnings

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