Came close to a panic attack

I've struggled with dysthymia and major depression on and off for a few years, and I feel anxious sometimes like anyone does, but it's never been too much of a problem.

I'm a freshman in college, and I have one discussion-based class. A few weeks ago, I was to present some information in front of this class. I've presented things in class many times before in high school, but I had never had such an intense reaction as I anticipated my turn to speak. For an hour I was fidgeting, constantly clearing my throat because it felt really tight. I kept drinking water because my mouth was so dry that I was afraid I wouldn't be able to speak when it came to be my turn. My face flushed horribly red, and my heart was beating so fast that I thought I was going to give myself a nosebleed. I was sweating. I had the urge to just jump up and run out of class.

I tried to take deep breaths, but it didn't calm me down. It only made me more anxious, thinking that other people could see how worked up I was.

When it came to be my turn to speak, I believe I got the words out okay because I had practiced a lot the day before.

Does anyone have any idea why I suddenly had this reaction? It was really inappropriate to how short of a time I'd be speaking and how I wouldn't have failed or anything if I had just given it a shot.

I'm supposed to present something else in that class tomorrow, but my fear of a panic attack kept me for even preparing for the class so I could just skip it. I really don't think I have an anxiety disorder, but I've never experienced anxiety that powerfully before, thankfully and unfortunately.

Ideas, anyone?

It could maybe be because you're in college, as opposed to high school. You are perhaps intimidated by the idea of being around people who are smart, people who are actually there to learn (probably lol). I'm so sorry honey you had to go through that. It doesn't sound very fun. I think you can overcome it though, you can learn to be less anxious when giving a speech. Actually I KNOW you can overcome it

It's somewhat likely that no one or few people noticed how worked up you were beforehand. It's a good thing to realize that people are more involved in their own lives sometimes to notice what's happening exactly in yours. you can take that as a sad thing, or as a good thing Anyways, you have to feel within you, what it'd be like to be "normal" or not as anxious. You have to feel it in your face, your eyes, your body. You have to take steps in line with that. You cannot act the way an anxious person acts, you cannot act in fear, if you are to succeed. And I know you will succeed. It will just take time perhaps, since this is a new scenario that's obviously presented a new issue to you. But you will do it. With practice I assure you.

And anyways, you can talk to the teacher too, and see if he/she can help you maybe.

I have had panic attacks while out in public and medication has helped.

Thank you for this kind and helpful response! Yes, I definitely think it had something to do with how smart and attentive I perceived everyone to be.

I'm going to talk to my teacher and ask if he can give me my topic a few days in advance, as he usually waits till the day before to let us know what we'll be speaking on.

Thanks again!

Thank you for the reply!

I don't think what I had was a full-fledged panic attack, though I guess it could have been. It's the first time I've experienced such strong anxiety, so I'm going to give myself some time to see if I can just get used to this new kind of situation.