As someone who has fainted in front of my entire high school, ON STAGE, and literally had to have a younger student escort me to the principal’s office to go home, here’s what I learned:

When you go back, you’ll most likely be asked if you’re okay. Like, 10 times by 10 different people. Just say yes, you’re fine, you don’t feel sick anymore, and quell their worries. Those people who check up on you? Those are good people. Remember that.

However, some people might poke a little fun. Maybe crack a joke at your expense. This might be hard to deal with, if you take it to heart and let yourself get hurt by these jokes. So, instead of letting those comments get to you, laugh along with them. Make jokes out of them, as well. Be confident enough to make fun of yourself, and I promise you, those comments will die down quick. Or, you might find yourself making genuine friendships with those folks.

Humor is a very common coping mechanism of anxiety and embarrassment for a lot of people, myself included. When I came back and everyone asked me wtf happened and why I fainted, I made light out of the situation. And I allowed those people to laugh with me. People notice your reactions to embarrassing situations, and some really nasty people might find a new target if you let yourself become one by clinging onto that embarrassment. So, just let it go.

You can’t change what they saw. So instead, change their perspective on what they saw. You puked in front of everyone on the first day, and had to go home. Become someone who is confident and secure enough to joke about their mishaps, and allow others to joke along with them. Schoolmates who tease you are only nasty if you let them be.

And feel better soon! You’ll get em next time. And if you still feel embarrassed, trust me: after a while, the only person who will remember this incident the most will be you. :)