Panic Attacks
I had my first one when I was in grade school. I had them in a big way all the way through College. I hated being somewhere that I believed I couldn't just get up and walk out of whatever/whenever I wanted to (class rooms, church, meetings, etc). I assume it was/is some form of claustrophobia I suppose. It's also an issue of control. I have a significant need to be in control at all times.
At times, it was so bad that I literally thought I was going to have a heart attack - flop sweats, rapid heart rate, dizziness, etc. I self medicated with prayer, meditation and Jack Daniels
- mainly prayer and meditation. Today, I have to talk my way though it and rationalize what I am going through. It calms me down and I manage. At 47, I suppose I will never outgrow it, but I do feel more confident that I can "deal with it" in a less intrusive manner.
If you were to meet me, you would NEVER know this is a part of who I am. I am a very outgoing, Type A personality. I'm not trying to mask it. I just refuse to let it define me as a person and to let it control my life (any more than it already has).