Good question Zen88
Looking back now I actually think I would dissociate to avoid all those feelings and move into the 'nothing' feeling. I could then look 'normal' and people wouldn't wouldn't ask questions. I wouldn't allow it to affect learning. I would try harder, couldn't concentrate, anxious, scared, fear. I had less ability to do subjects like Math and science but fine with others.
I earned my degree 4.5 years later so the measure for me is still anything is possible.
So I guess everyone situation would be different. I actually though I was fine back then. But now when I look back....., well I am paying for it now.
My brother was murdered while I was still in high school (16 years old). Front page news - I didn't feel good about the attention.
To be as normal as possible was the most important, I tried hard to not let it affect my learning.