When this sort of thing happens is when I take down the stuffed animal from where it's perched on my monitor. You maybe don't have one of those?

Just shut the door to your office and sit for 10 minutes or so. If you don't have an office, go to the bathroom. You need to be in a quiet place so that the panic can pass.

Definitely go somewhere quiet and alone for a few minutes. Hang in there, kiddo. *hug*

Ooh, I hate those. Breathe deeply, try to clear your mind (if you can; even trying helps as long as you don't get caught in the 'OMG I can't clear my mind now it's worse' thing). I know it probably doesn't sound helpful, but it's true: try not to panic about the panic, i.e., keep remembering that it will pass. If you can go for a walk somewhere not too crowded, that might help. Hugs from me, too.

this happens to all the plainskin deadhaters.

Fuck that sucks! Sorry rainbaby.

I have opposite advice- get OUT for 10 minutes and walk as hard as you can around the block- total power walk like those old ladies in the 80s. It really helps me when I'm at work and can't go for a run.

Go outside and take a short break. If you don't feel up to walking, sit in your car, if you have a car. And breathe. Practice some deep breathing exercises, if those help you. And remember, this is okay. It is okay to have a panic attack. You are you, and this is a medical problem, and you can't blame yourself for what is happening to your brain right now.

And ... feel better.

(I just realized I'm super-late here. I hope you are all better now. If you're not ... call your doctor, or a friend who can maybe talk you through it. Or go home. I feel for you, sweetie. I used to have panic attacks at work all the time.)

Does your workplace frown on running? You should come work for my company. A bunch of the guys here often go running in the afternoon then return to work.

Sorry, I have no suggestions other than lunchtime-quickie-rendezvous.

Eideteker- are there showers there? That's why I don't run at lunch.

Thanks guys. I'm better, but it took some doing. I get anxiety attacks, which as I understand/experience them, are different than panic attacks.

I leveled with my manager, and asked if I could go to the gym (meaning an extra half hour at lunch, but a productive worker this afternoon who will stay a bit late.) He said sure, do what you need to do. So after a drive in sunlight, a quick jog and cool down, and a shower and sauna dry off, I'm fine.

Make that a slow jog of relatively short duration, not a quick jog. Jogging on Xanax = not optimal, but had to be done.

Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh.

Yes, they do pass, but it sucks to be at work or wherever and absolutely unable to function without taking some kind of out of the norm action.

We don't have showers here at work, I totally wish we did.

are there showers there?

No, we just stink. Turns out not to be that much of a big deal. I sometimes wash up in the sink a bit. Bringing a towel helps.

I'm glad you were able to work something out.

We have a shower here at work, and even a workout room that we're not allowed to use during business hours (which includes lunch). The shower is very handy; I've used it after cycling the 10 miles to the office. That is awesome.

Well done, rainbaby. Sounds like you have some good (gah, am i saying this?) coping skills. You done good, and it sounds like your manager is a mensch, too. Here's hoping it's a long long long time 'til the next one.

You know what, mullacc? I bet the same genetic traits that lead to becoming a plainskin deadhater also predispose one to anxiety.

Thanks elizard, he is a mensch, but too Southern to know what that means.