Panic attacks during meetings

[Cristina554]

This is crazy, but I can't sit or be still or quiet for long where there is people by me and I feel trapped. If I'm not talking I'm obsessing in the meetings that I'm going to pass out and embarrass myself in front of people who look up to me in the professional world. I start to feel like I have ants all over, my heart races and my mouth dries. Then I feel dizzy like I'm going to black out. I usually walk out before the meetings ends and of course I feel stupid. I have been trying to help myself by relaxing, meditating, learning about my new experiences, but I am curious what else I can do. I'm hoping someone here gives me a good tip and helps me. Please help me.

[psg992]

Hello! I am wondering if you ever found any helpful solutions to your problem, as I am currently experiencing the same symptoms

[Agora1]

Cristina554, something that is always with you will help immensely. Deep breathing. It takes practice until it comes to you so automatically that you don't have to think about it. You are most likely shallow breathing when in those meetings. As it continues, symptoms appear and start multiplying until you feel so overwhelmed that you need to walk out. The fear that we may embarrass ourselves should we pass out is a very prominent fear of fear phenomena. Practice when at work while watching tv, driving to work, shopping etc. It is my constant companion.

[Cristina554]

I have made some progress over this past years. My fear was feeling trapped, and doing something that would embarrass me in front of other people. I have always been very free spirit and I don’t know what happened to me 5 years ago? I was loosing it. Honestly, I was very insecure around my peers, when in reality no one cares what was going through my head since we are all too worried thinking about ourselves. I recommend this wonderful book that helped me get out of this nightmare state. It’s called ‘From Panic to Power’ by Lucinda Basset. Get it on eBay, it’s around only $5, but it may be available as an ebook too. 😉