I used to get them all the time when I was married to the ex, raising a teenage son and working as a retail manager. I used to drink a pot of coffee a day, or more, and I was able to control the attacks by cutting out ALL caffeine, sugar, chocolate, and decongestants.

I had them so often for a while I thought I would never be able to stop freaking out.

I learned the early signs and feelings of an attack, and learned to slow my breathing and calm myself.

I think what helped me the most was something my son's counselor told me. She said that the worst thing that could happen to me was that I might pass out. [i]IF[/i] I passed out, my breathing would automatically regulate itself, and the attack would be over.

Once I realized that, I began to relax because I had finally learned that I wasn't going to die.

I was actually able to take my son for a medical appointment and DROVE while I was having an attack. THAT taught me that I could move and function and do what I needed to do...and that was also a calming realization.

As I sat there in the waiting room, the sense of unreality and tunnel vision I was experiencing made me feel as though I was on some kind of drug...and I DO have a sense of humor. I was able to realize that some people actually PAY to buy drugs that give them the same sort of experience.

Aren't all temporary?
I've had anxiety attacks all my life, I just didn't know what it was as a child. I've never had it as bad as in recent years though because now they are more intense and can appear out of the blue even if I feel calm and can't see the apparent trigger. Luckily I was able to fend this kind off quite fast and effectively so far.
I've never felt like dying, mostly I was just worried I'd embarrass myself in front of other people or that someone might freak out and call the ambulance before I'd manage to explain to them that I'll be okay in a minute. But I never even got into such dramatic state, I never fainted, I never did anything that would draw the attention of nearby people. The state I get into isn't even fear, it's more like intense sense of being overwhelmed, like going crazy or being suddenly poisoned and feeling like several of my organs go into overdrive for no reason and pulling my attention inward away from the world around me.

I can't handle well the ones triggered by objective reasons though. I can't calm myself down. Usually I start crying and can't stop for a very long time because it's like "positive feedback loop" for me.

I've had panic attacks over the years but they've been few and far between, thankfully

[c=800000]I was with some friends, their granddaughter and her daughter in a restaurant. We were all seated at a table. Even though no one was sitting on my bench, suddenly I felt trapped. I had to tell myself, "Get a grip. You're ok." The feeling left as suddenly as it had come upon me. It was rather unsettling. [/c]

As opposed to a continual attack ?

Well that's a first one me reading "expound"

Yes, quite often. I usually know how to calm myself down with breathing

I am prone to anxiety/panic attacks every now and then. The kind you describe of feeling trapped I'm familiar with as well. Part of why I hate going to the dentist (lying there unable to move) or having a window or middle seat on a plane (always insist on an aisle seat).

I don’t think I ever have or at least was told I was

I’ve had my fair amount of freaks out and moments

I used to get panic attacks. A pleasant side effect of drug and alcohol abuse.

I always felt like I was dying. Not fun. 2/10, wouldn't recommend.

Anyway, it's all fine now that I've been sober for a while.