You write so well about your experience! I could feel panic rising in me when I read about the instructor announcing that you would go around the room and tell about yourselves.

It feels sudden, it feels very exposing (and at a time we may already be nervous, so when the anxiety increases, it spikes higher because it is beginning at a higher level), it feels threatening. It makes perfect sense then that this would cause a desire to 'fight of flee', and that creates the physical symptoms of increased heart rate, sweating, flushed face, tingling arms/hands/fingers, shortness of breath, and fuzzy thinking from the increase in adrenalin production. And no wonder it leaves us exhausted afterwards!

Regular use of deep breathing and relaxation exercises can help keep you calmer so that when something anxiety-provoking comes along, there isn't as strong as a reaction.

There are CD's and downloads of relaxation exercises, guided imagery, etc on many sites and one I've used is www.wholeperson.com. I have a CD that is titled "Warm and Heavy" that is 2 relaxation exercises - one is Warm and one is Heavy. I love them both.