Ok buddy,
First, you need to chill out. After that you need to see a doctor and get a complete physical. You do this so that you may rule out a lot of the possibilities that are churning in your head (i.e., cancer, lung disease, etc.) Second, after you get a clean bill of health get a free HIV exam. I’ve had three of them. You can expect the results in a week or less. I’m sure you’ll be able to hang for a week while they’re working on the results. Third, cut out all caffeine and high sugar content foods from your diet. Forth, get a relaxation cassette/CD and use it every day. It would be best to shoot for three times a day. Fifth, keep a journal. In this journal you’ll want to do a couple of things. You’ll want to write down all the scary thoughts (i.e., I’m going to die today) that come into your head. Next, you’ll want to write down all the negative thoughts (i.e., I’m a loser because I don’t have a job) that come into your head. The point is to put them on paper and begin to realize how ridiculous they are. Also, when you feel panicky write down what you were doing at the time and when. You’re looking for a pattern to your behavior. You have one, but you don’t know it yet. Sixth, get a book on panic attacks and anxiety. I’ll recommend Lucinda Bassett’s(sp) “From Panic to Power”. Everyone here will have a book suggestion.
Good luck,
nd