Why did I get multiple panic attacks recently?

I’ve had issues with anxiety & getting panic atyacks for years . My first one occurred at around age 20 & -about 30 years later I thought they finally disappeared for good.

I used to get them often in my 20’s & sometimes in my 30’s too. I recently had 3 panic attacks to where I was visibly nervous at one interview.

It was so bad that I’m sure that the guy there noticed something was off as he asked me if I had a medical condition. Ugh.

I felt like running away but I stayed & finished the interview. It was torture! I hsd this happen breifly on a Zoom interview too.

The first guy wasn’t even intimidating. He was nice & easy going. It was inside his house for a housekeeoer position though.

I tend to get triggered during interviews or situations to where I think I’m being judged. Parties & social events to where I’m expected to socialize with people trigger me too, so I avoid them.

I’m fine with being in crowds like a concert. It hrlps that I often use liquid courage to cope with the crowds to, but I don’t drink & drive.

I stopped taking my anti anxiety & depression meds months ago as I felt they weren’t helping me at all.

I started taking Ashwanganda instead.. Is it possible that I might’ve been going through withdrawal, or was it because I was triggered?

I’ve been more stressed about finances lately & hardly anyone is calling me back for an interview.

Needless to say, I didn’t get the job. What is wrong with me?

I didn’t have a single panic attack for years & now this! Weird! I can actually be fairly calm during most interviews which is weird.

What can I do to prevent future panic attacks?

Sorry about the anxiety/panic attacks.... that is so rough, I know from experience.

Did you stop taking your anxiety/depression meds on your own or with the guidance of a doctor?

Have you heard of Dr. Claire Weekes book/audiobook "Hope and Help for Your Nerves"? I would highly recommend you check it out. There are also clips on YouTube, or you could try your library or AbeBooks | Shop for Books, Art & Collectibles for a secondhand copy.

Panic attacks are hard to stop

Sorry for the slow response. I stopped on my own. I was worried about side effects, weight gain & it wasn’t working anyways.

Herbal stuff is OK but it can’t diminish all panic attack unfortunately.

Thanks for suggesting that book. I’ll check it out real soon.

True unfortunately.

Asking you about medical conditions, unless safety is a direct factor is playing dirty pool, see HIPPA. I would have answered that question with another, "That is an interesting subject. While we are on it, do you have any medical conditions?" Panic disorder and having your fight or flight response take off like a wild deer on you is a tricky thing. I had this when I came back from the Army to such degree, I spent two weeks in a facility and they announced happily I had a nervous breakdown..Here are my tips from experience and having gone through medical school.
1. Many people do not like medications, and it is very often that the medication is not tripping you up; it is all a matter of finding the correct one or combination thereof that works for you. I always found that when I practiced, or in my personal life, the best combination to dial up here is an SSRI antidepressant you can tolerate given with a low dose benzodiazepine, to be used PRN.
2. Avoid caffeine; I used to tell patients with this problem that caffeine is a fiend.
3. Get plenty of sleep—an adequate amount. When you wake up, you want to feel well-rested.
4. Pracice good nutrition, everyone sort of has a different ideal about this.
5. The last one, perhaps the heaviest hitter, is physical activity. Try to exercise according to your age and health—just don't overdo it. When you do have an attack, take a walk or get on a treadmill to burn the adrenaline off more quickly.
I'm so sorry you're having these. I still do them once in a blue moon, but I have some weight on my shoulders currently. I hope you find some of these helpful and can return to a state of not having them. It sounds like your brain chemistry has fallen out of whack for some reason. If you did not have them for years and they are suddenly back, this would be a good indicator of that. Please feel better soon.