Yes, to me it sounds like a panic attack. I know it feels awful but it's natural, and many people describe it as feeling that they are going to die, but of course physically they aren't very dangerous at all.
From my own experiences I find when you have an attack is to slow down your breathing, deeply exhale out all the "stale" air in your long and slowly breathe in, when you breathe shallowly for a prolonged amount of time. If there is too much carbon dioxide in your body it will make you feel dizzy, but the worst that can happen is you may momentarily faint.
Just remember not to worry, the more relaxed you are, the easier it will be and it won't last so long.
I have come across some good threads here on RYL on grounding techniques to help alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks, and there are also some good stuff on sites such as:
Quick List of Things to Do to Ground:
- Get ice or ice water
- Breathe - slow and deep, like blowing up a balloon.
- Take your shoes off and rub your feet on the ground.
- Open your eyes and look around. See you are in a different place than then.
- Move around. Feel your body. Stretch out your arms, hands, fingers.
- Peel an orange or a lemon. Notice the smell. Take a bite. Focus on the taste.
- Pet your cat, dog or rabbit.
- Spray yourself with favorite perfume.
- Eat ice cream! Or any favorite food. Pay attention to the taste.
- Hold a stuffie. Pay attention to the feel of it.
- Repeat "this is now, not then"
- Call a friend, or your T.
- Take a shower.
- Take a bath.
- Go for a walk. Feel the sunshine (or rain, or snow!)
- Count nice things.
- Dig in the dirt in your garden.
- Turn lights on.
- Play your favorite music.
- Hug a tree!
- Touch things around you.
from
http://www.mosaicminds.org/safe-ground-new.shtml
of course in some situations that isn't always the most helpful advise maybe try some of these from
http://www.m-a-h.net/support/article-grounding.htm
I
found these which can be helpful:
"Stomp your feet to remind yourself where you are. Press your feet firmly into the ground.
Try to notice where you are, your surroundings including the people, the sounds like the t.v. or radio.
Concentrate on your breathing. Take a deep cleansing breath from your diaphragm. Count the breaths as you exhale. Make sure you breath slowly so you don't hyperventilate.
Cross your legs and arms. Feel the sensations of you controlling your body."
But if it gets worse or you feel it is beginning to control your life and your welfare contact a professional.
Take care (hope all that made sense)
x
