I am going through it too. I have been dealing with panic attacks since I was 15. They have come and gone throughout the years in cycles. Usually long periods of stress "kicks" them off.
Ever since I had foot and ankle reconstruction surgery back in Feb and was laid up for almost 3 months with a feeling of being "stuck," not only physically but mentally as well, I have been in the midst of a full blown cycle. It is horrible! I have been on xanax for panic disorder since '92 and do not want to up the dosage. I also do not want to try anything new, because l too had a bad experience the one and only time I tried something else. Any adverse side-effect and I will get it. I have never really had depression accompany the panic like many do but I feel like I am fighting that now too for the first time. Being afraid to do things for the fear of an attack happening takes the joy out of many things I love to do. It becomes taxing on the spirit. I am trying hard to get positive again. I need to remember that a cycle doesn't last forever and the more I "feed" it, the longer it will last.
I've gone for bio-feedback therapy twice now and I feel it hasn't helped too much. I do know the importance of breathing. I've also seen a Psychiatrist, within the same practice as the bio-guy, but do not feel comfortable with him...he does ALL the talking...he should be paying me! I just breathe and pray a lot and that does help.
I'm hoping to get past this soon. I can't be home alone without being afraid. I freak out in traffic, and I almost had a mental breakdown on the turnpike, because I knew there was no getting off for 6 miles...what is that??? Also, had to fight the urge to jump out in the middle of a car wash because I felt stuck. So I know what it's like to feel like you're losing control. I feel for you and will pray for you. You need time to de-stress and relax. Maybe we should start our own support group on here...
Please take care!
Tammy