My first panic attack came out of nowhere and hit me at work one day. I got up right away and went outside for some fresh air. The next day, I had two or three attacks at work. The third day I didn't want to go back. Panic attacks along with other anxiety disorders are the most common of all mental health problems and can arise in a number of ways.
Research indicates the presence of an underlying biological vulnerability in afflicted people.
In the presence of stress, these people become afraid, seek to avoid a situation or emotion perceived as threatening, have catastrophic thoughts, and may eventually develop pronounced avoidance behavior and physical symptoms as well as associated depression. Stress in the workplace can bring on or aggravate a panic disorder. Even if stressors outside of work are involved, an employee's performance can decline because he or she fears being embarrassed by having an attack at work. The Symptoms of a Panic Disorder Individuals suffering panic attacks may go to great lengths to hide their symptoms because they fear ridicule. Symptoms include heart palpitations, dizziness, tingling in the hands or feet, chest pain or discomfort, feelings of unreality or disorientation, sweating, faintness, trembling or shortness of breath and stomach distress.