First unexpected panic attack

Hello. Slight trigger warning from listing my symptoms of my panic attacks.

Today I had my first unexpected panic attack. I may have had ones I thought were unexpected before, but I think they were all caused by GAD. I have always had panic attacks from my social anxiety since I was a kid. Nothing has changed about that. Recently, I have been getting panic attacks from worrying about general things.

But anyways, what happened today was I was at the library (it was basically dead inside) and I was looking for a physics book because why not. I found it and was checking out other books when suddenly my entire body is shaking, I have heat sensations, my heart's racing, I can feel that I'm starting to sweat. Panic attack out of no where. There were no people around and I wasn't worrying about anything major before this panic attack. My social anxiety nor GAD caused this panic attack for sure. It was out of the blue. I was even excited because I got a book I wanted to read.

Anyways, it lasted an hour and I had one dizzy spell from it. I was with my dad when it happened. I didn't tell him. I just acted like nothing was wrong but I hate the feeling when my entire body is shaking. I feel terrible. We went grocery shopping after that and I was only focused on trying to act normal and the panic attack, not the people around me, which would be a social anxiety symptom of mine anyways. Then I made a salad when get got home. I'm still having my panic attack at that time but it had calmed down a bit. I'm still shaking and I feel really hot. About half way through making the salad, it stopped. I was really relieved. And that was it.

Do you think that there may be more unexpected panic attacks to come after this one? Like ones not related to my other anxiety disorders? Personally, I am not worrying about it, but was wondering if I should tell my pdoc when I see her next. It would be great to hear from people here. Thanks.

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That's part of the problem with panic attacks, they are unpredictable. It could just be an isolated incident or there could be more to come. Which ever, it sounds like you managed very well. You were able to continue with what you had to do.

Maybe you could look into some coping skills to have available just in case it happens again.

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Those are the worst. I would def bring it up to the doc just incase he has any suggestions. You did manage it well since you were able to go food shopping and then eat lunch during this attack. I couldn't do that.

I believe that not all panic attacks are unpredictable. Whenever I have a presentation coming up, I know for sure that I will be having a panic attack during it.

I have always managed because no one is there to help me when I have a panic attack.

Maybe. I haven't found any coping strategies that have helped yet.

Thanks for your response.

I know .

I know. My pdoc knows that I have panic attacks but I haven't found any useful coping strategies yet though.

Maybe one day you will be able to do that. Just to let you know, my panic attacks are quite mild compared to a lot of people out there.