[Diosa913]

Hi everyone. So I have had panic attacks sporadically for the last about two years. They occur in very specific situations...mostly if I have to talk in front of a group or get up and be recognized in front of a group. It's very frustrating and embarassing for me. I am in my last year of college and I have no idea why all of the sudden I am so afraid. I have no idea what triggered this anxiety. I have given many presentations before without problems....

So today I had my first anxiety attack in quite a while...mostly because I avoid situations where I know I would have one. But in one of my classes we were working in groups and the teacher said we would have to get up and present. I freaked out. I tried to calm myself down but literally my heart was beating out of my chest. I got up to go to the bathroom before it was our turn and I couldn't make myself go back to class. I feel so embarassed by this and I don't know what to do. Nothing helps. I take Xanax before certain situations and it barely helps. I hate this it makes me feel so stupid but there is nothing I can do!!!! I feel trapped. I am just wondering if anyone has the same sort of anxiety....if anyone can relate.

I do get the same thing. Ugh, what an awful feeling it is.
Welcome to pc though, im sure you will find lots of like minds here

<--- if ok

there's only one solution..."practice" in front of small non threatening groups of friends until you get back into it as a more comfortabale situation.
it won't just change (improve) all by itself...you'll have to take some iniatiative.

[Diosa913]

Thanks guys. I'm hoping if I find people here with the same problems I won't feel like such an idiot. And I know the only way to get over it is to practice....but I'm terrified. I was in therapy, did breathing/relaxation exercises, was on Effexor for a while, take Xanax when I need it. It sucks not having control over your body. I just wish it would magically disappear, kind of like how it started. Not realistic though....

Thanks for your support again.