[markhacker]

Yes. I never ever, EVER believed in 'panic attacks' until it happened to me. And when it set it off, it happened three times in a day. Horrid. Shaking, unbelievable, hyper ventilating, and so on.

The best thing you can do is speak to someone. Whether that's a friend, family member, or a doctor - talking helps. I didn't talk to anyone for ages, and that's when the panic attacks started.

Also (and this is hard depending on the situation) - try and reduce stress around you. If it's say, a bad boss, well unless you quit there's not much you can do, but you can do other things - reduce coffee, get more sleep, and find ways to unwind - a sport or something. I personally enjoy going to a coffee shop after work (to have a tea!) and catching up on some fun sites on the internet. It's my time, and I can be 'alone'.

Hope you get some help from either the comments on here, or someone close to you, or a medical professional. Even a counsellor can be of some help - just someone listening. Doesn't have to be a shrink.