Had my first real panic attack at work today

Jan 14·1 min read

I'm a software engineer, was in a meeting with like 20 people. Out of nowhere my chest got tight, hands started shaking, couldn't focus on what anyone was saying. Had to excuse myself to the bathroom. Sat in a stall for 15 minutes trying to breathe. Called my wife in the car after and just cried. Never happened before and now I'm terrified it'll happen again. Do I need to tell my boss? Should I go to a doctor?

6 comments415 views

Comments(6)

TTrevorRegularJan 14

First panic attacks are scary because you don't know what's happening. Definitely talk to a doctor about it. There's stuff that can help, whether it's therapy or just techniques.

JJosh M.RegularJan 15

That sounds rough man. Were you able to get out of the meeting or did you have to power through? The tight chest thing is no joke, I had something similar at my kid's school event.

TTommyNew DadJan 15

Look into some breathing exercises. Box breathing helped me when I started getting that tight chest feeling. 4 counts in, hold 4, out 4, hold 4.

MMarcosNew DadJan 16

The stress of work plus parenting is a lot. I started taking walks during lunch and it actually made a difference in how I feel overall.

BBen M.RegularJan 16

Have you talked to your boss about it or are you keeping it private at work? Either way, this might be a sign you need to address some stress management.

CCharlie A.RegularJan 14

Happened to me too during a presentation. Just remember it passed and your body is trying to tell you something. Listen to it.