I've had anxiety attacks in public before.
When I have them I feel like I'm in hell or going to hell or murdered God somehow. I can't speak because there's a conspiracy and the people I'm around during the panic attack are either in on it or I'm afraid of pulling them into hell with me.
I just want to lay down in fetal position and rock until I disappear.

Sometimes I think I put too much pressure on myself and I just get so overwhelmed trying to be this person that is perfect in every way that I trip myself up and have nervous breakdowns when people speak to me.

I've never thought about it, but maybe I don't like talking to people.. I don't know if I do or not because I WANT to like talking to people. because talking to people is the nice thing to do, I guess. and I want to be nice.

but sometimes when I get stressed out enough, I become mute for a while.

I've had panic attacks in public before. I start hyperventilating and shaking and my chest gets tight. I try to control it, but it's hard to hide the hyperventilation, because I'm literally gasping for air like I'm dying.

Usually I run out (basically I only get public panic attacks these days in crowds), go find somewhere quiet, and sit down on the ground until I can breathe again.

Public transportation is the worst. I get a panic attack every. Time. I'm dreading having to go on a plane next year.

in case of panic attacks: don't flee. It's the worst you can do, because it'll "teach" your anxiety that it gets what it wants, and next time you'll be extra afraid to enter the shop and will be more likely to have a panic attack.

It's way better to:
1. let it be what it is. You'll notice that you're not dying, and that the anxiety is going to be less and less intense. Give yourself that exprience that you can go through it and calm down eventually.
2. Focus on external things. Basically, when you panic, you're hyperfocused on yourself: your breathing, sweating etc. Instead, when you feel a panic attack coming, list 5 things you see around you, then list 5 things you hear around you, and 5 things you feel etc. Start talking to someone, notice colours, smells etc. that you like. That way, you'll be less focused on yourself, and on your anxiety.

TrickyLA wrote:

@Zupprika

I'm going to try this next time I get stuck in my own head. When that happens I'm never sure what to do and the negative feedback loop just goes on and on. Thanks for sharing!

Good luck! The second thing works better if you're not in full panic mode, because if you are, it's harder to think properly.
Tell us how it goes :)