Hello to everyone. I have just joined this community. I have been diagnosed with panic disorder and depression, and have been on Zoloft for 9 years, and then when I was not improving on the panic attacks, I was put on xanax. Just recently, we had a terrible tragedy in our lives. My son, who is in college as a freshman, had a great friend who we happen to be very close to. His family vacations with mine. Just the week my son left for school, his friend committed suicide. We are all devastated of course. The hardest thing to deal with in the world. I have already had an experience in my own family, my niece did exactly the same thing about 15 years ago. I am sure that it has something to do with the recent increase in my panic attacks, and my son leaving for college. But it didn't start right away. It started about two weeks after, and literally overnight. I am having attacks at intervals so close together. Even waking me up at night. I am at my wit's end. I don't want to leave the house. But I have to work, and my son plays college football, so I have to go to his games. I have one tonight. And it's Homecoming. HUGE crowds. I am petrified. Even though my husband will be with me. Anyone else have such a sudden increase in panic attacks? I am dressing to leave and already shaking.