I understand the fear. This is.my first post. I am new to this site, nut I recognize what you describe.
My panic attacks begin in my dreams and wake me up, feeling at 61 yr old that I am having a heart attack. I have begun to count by 3's, 7's etc. As far as I can go for 2 or 3 minutes. It seems to stop the insanity and I can see this as anxiety, not a heart attack. In my.case, my doctor suggested I try this and it has surely helped me. Whenever I feel stress building, I will begin to do this, or quietly.hum a favorite song. Fo me, I feel stronger each.time I "stave" anxiety off.