Public Fainting and the Embarrassment of Financial Abuse

I fainted on a public bus about 4 years ago. At the time, it was the middle of the school year, and the bus was a crowded

Gründe for Fainting in Public

I was on my way home after picking up the kids from school. I was texting a friend and then my vision darkened, and I collapsed on the aisle floor. I managed to get up again, but the experience was more embarrassing than I could have imagined. I was a fat middle-aged woman in a community full of teenagers, and they just stared at me without offering any assistance. I was embarrassed, but I was also shaken and standing, much to my relief.

Detailed Student Reaction and Subsequent Events

Just a few minutes later, my vision darkened again, and I buckled. Thankfully, the driver pulled the bus to the side near the next stop to call for emergency services. He helped me off the bus and onto a bench, and the EMTs arrived shortly after. They checked my vitals and saw that I was starting to fade again when I tried to stand up. They decided to take me to Stanford Hospital for further observation.

Hospital Experience and Outcomes

In the hospital, I underwent several tests and received IV fluids. I was under observation for a few hours, during which I called my boss to inform her of what happened and assured her that I was not pregnant. The doctor told me it was orthostatic syncope, a condition I'd not heard of before. To make matters worse, my fasting blood sugar levels were low because I hadn't eaten breakfast or much at all in the past few weeks due to financial abuse. I was embarrassed to admit that I'd skipped breakfast, but they also had a social worker speak with me about my situation. I felt so much shame and embarrassment, but I didn't want to admit that I was financially abused.

Consequences and Financial Abuse

The financial abuse was a hidden struggle that I kept secret for months. Each day, I walked miles to work and took care of others' needs before my own, never having enough to eat. Eventually, I had to admit to skipping breakfast because it was the easiest to explain. I was dismissed by the social worker as fine, and a friend came to wait with me until I could be discharged and dropped me off at home. I was embarrassed to tell anyone, not just because of the fainting but because of my financial situation.

Dealing with Embarrassment

Despite the embarrassment, I managed to pick up some of my life. I realized that I needed to take better care of myself and that my health was more important than trying to impress others. I've been living healthier and taking better care of myself, even in one of the most expensive places on earth.

Empowerment through Sharing

Reflecting on my experience, I decided to share my story on Quora, a platform where I could speak openly about my struggles without feeling embarrassed. Sharing my experience not only helped me feel less alone but also empowered me to take control of my life. If you've ever experienced a similar situation, know that you're not alone, and it's okay to seek help and support.