During an anxiety Attack

[Mere]

Can anyone give me pointers on coping with an anxiety attack while at work.  I can at least pace, just breath or try to find a distraction at home but when they come on at work I still have to keep working.  Any help would be appreciated.

[the happy planner]

Hi, I am also new to this site, but I am not new to anxiety.  It's hard to cope with anxiety at work... I know.  The first thing you need to realise is that you are sick.  If you are crouched at your desk sweating, trembling, having trouble breathing etc. you are not well enough to be there.  Your doctor would almost certainly sign you off.

I don't know what your workplace is like, how accepting/understanding your boss might be, etc. but I have found that starting by sharing with one or two trusted colleagues can be really helpful, so at least you won't feel totally alone if you're having anxiety/panic at work... there is someone in the building who knows and that can be reassuring.

Is it work that's causing or at least triggering the anxiety?

[Hijita]

No, I have no idea how to cope with anxiety at work. The extra pressure of trying to force myself to get over it or work through it is just... aagh! It's no good! I'm in the process of trying to get FMLA so that I can leave when I need to. Maybe this is something you can look in to as well.

[MeAgain]

The same principles you follow at home during an attack apply no matter where you are ...personally if it was me if work was becoming the issue i would put the issue aside for now.People have no problem with staying at home if you feel generally unwell and cant work,anxiety is no different its an illness.Take some time away if at all possible,learn some relaxation techniques plain and simple do whatever you have to do right now for you.We all need work but we must look after ourselves as well.You take care

[Feelinganxiousallthetime]

One of the things that helps me at work is a stress ball to squeeze. I need to be active when a panic attack hits, and squeezing the you know what out of that ball helps. I know it seems simple, but I hope it helps.

[threnners]

If you can access youtube, there are tons of anxiety relief videos on there, or just put on some nature sounds to distract you.

[Squeemy]

Its hard when on the outer you look fine but on the inside mental illness is at a peak. I agree if work is causing anxiety or you are being too stressed, you need some you time to manage it. These days we are put under so much pressure that is unnatural to our human biology & surprise surprise mental illness is on the rise.

Deep breaths from the diaphragm & stretches. Also if you feel you need time out,  take it 

[howahkan]

I run into the same issue in class. I can't just get up and go home, I would loose credits and I would get into a pattern of avoiding class every time I feel anxious. This is why I am going to have to disagree with the former posters, because I have seen people with anxiety fall into a pattern of avoiding every single situation that could make them anxious.
Here are some coping skills that I use-

1. Recognizing that this is only a panic attack. (Sounds simple, but in a panic attack, our brain can tell us crazy things. "I'm having a heart attack, etc")
2. Taking a deep breath. (Deep breathing doesn't help me, so I take one deep breath like I do when I am loosing my patience)
3. Going to the bathroom and splashing cold water on my face.
4. Positive and logical thoughts. "This is only a panic attack. This will pass in 3 minutes" repetitive.
5. Getting out a piece of paper and writing down my symptoms (If the teacher is lecturing and we are not doing anything)
6. Throwing myself into the school work, taking notes, making a schedule, etc.
7. Going for a brief walk in the hallway. About 1 minute.
8. If you can, get outside for a minute or two. Collect yourself, and head back in.
9. Writing a letter to myself. I have a letter that outlines all of my anxiety symptoms and reassurance for me and only me, I pull this out while anxious and read it. It helps a lot.

I hope these help you as they help me.