This is just completely random and could be unrelated (I've never had a total panic attack but I do have diagnosed depression which I'm taking way too much medicine for, lol);
Personally, whenever the days start getting shorter in the fall I usually get really edgy and more likely to get super down. Maybe school combined with the lack of sunlight is making you more susceptible? They have those super bright lights that you can use to trick your body into thinking it's not shitty outside.

I'm an art student and I used to get really really upset over my drawings to the point of needing to leave classes because I was crying (this was before I was diagnosed too, so that probably was partially the cause). Coming from high school where you're a pretty good artist then going to college where you're one out of 500 better artists is kind of a reality check. Personally I realized that drawing isn't my thing and I'm more interested in graphic design and web stuff.

I'd just try to take it one day at a time; breaking the semester down into days or weeks (or even just individual assignments) is a lot less intimidating than trying to think about an entire semesters' worth of work at once.

Seasonal effects may be a contributor. I don't think its the only factor though, this is my 4th year of college and I have never experienced anything this bad before.

The man thing is I can't be around people or be in public when I feel myself starting to go downhill because I'm so deathly afraid of embarrassment and judgement. If I do get upset over something I would almost certainly have to leave the public area, but its usually only major upsets. Now I am panicking and hyperventilating because someone opened a door for me, or I made a joke in class and started to think that it may have been taken the wrong way.

Hopefully the counselor's schedule opens up soon! It'll get better, you just need to hold on for a little bit longer

thank you, I hope so. I have so much work to do this week and next

My school has also been stressing me out a lot lately to and it really doesnt help that I am on a trimester schedule. One thing my counselor always suggests to go work out a bit and with winter coming up seasonal affective disorder can also start affecting you so if possible I would suggest finding a light box so you can get the extra sunlight you need. I have been dealing with this stuff for the past few years now so if want to talk about it I normally around.

oh my god I never work out

seasonal effects may be a contributor. I think its more than just that though (see above comment thread)

I feel that I need to let my professors know what is happening but I just don't know how to do that or if I should even do that.

Letting your professors know whats going on is a good idea. In the past when I start going downhill I went and talked to my professors what was going on and they were more than willing to help me out so I wouldnt fail because of something thats pretty much out of my hands. So I would say you should just go see them and tell them how your feeling.

I e-mailed them and I feel a little bit more relieved.

I have no more classes today, thankfully. So I don't have to be around a lot of people anymore today. That gives me the freedom to focus on what I need to get done.

Thats good to hear. I wish you the best of luck that you can finish what you need to and that you get good news back from you professors.

So sorry to hear about your stress and depression. Might I recommend taking some time during the day to just sit and relax in a quiet, dim room? I find that when I'm feeling stressed, just separating myself from the stimulants of everyday life (mostly noise and complex thought), lying down, and breathing deep for about 10-15 minutes really helps me. I've had the same problems you're experiencing in the past.

I've been doing that whenever possible, actually! I just find that being around people has made me more susceptible to panicking lately. I'm usually only a little bit sensitive to social situations and making myself feel embarrassed, but I just feel hyper sensitive lately. Unfortunately, I can't always run away if it means missing classes. My schedule is very tight and doesn't allow for me to take a breather between classes very easily, and my classes are also long. But at least now my professors have an understanding of my situation and at least one has replied back to me with understanding.

It's good to hear that your professors understand. That's one great thing about college. Just keep telling yourself, "Things will work out. They always work out." Even if you don't think it's true, actually saying positive phrases like that out-loud might help. Hope you manage to keep your spirits up. ^_^

Hey Mono.

Sorry you're going through a rough patch. It's gonna be okay, though. Anxiety and hypertension are tough, especially at the end of the semester, and it's normal for lotsa students. I hope you're sleeping okay; that can be part of ot, but I know how hard it is to go to sleep at college sometimes with all the distractions. Eating well helps, too. It's had to stay on schedule sometimes when the work piles up; sometimes your routine gets off and you're left dragon yourself behind.

It'll be alright. Try and relax and keep the lines of communication open with the counselor/professors. I'm pulling for you here and on the art front.

"and you're left dragon yourself behind.

Oh, you XD

THank you very much for the support and the smile the pun gave me. I'm OK on the sleep and the eating front (despite the fact that I am up past my bed time because I had the rumbles and needed a snack -oops ) I would always love to sleep more. Sleep is good

I've been really motivated to draw outside of class lately actually! but I'm just so busy. D:

If you're consuming caffeine on a daily basis, then try to quit it temporarily until the stressful phase blows over.

If not, indulge more in relaxing activities whenever you can. Going for walks and hot baths are fantastic for anxiety.

Hey there. I know this is a bit late, and you've already gotten some good advice. Anyway, while you're having a panic attack it sometimes helps to go running. Or if not that to lay down and control your breathing until it passes. Remember that there's nothing really wrong with you when it happens.

If you're around people and you can't get away, try to focus all of your attention on something. Hopefully when you can get with a counselor you'll have help identifying what's triggering them and finding a way to cope with it.

I hope you're having luck on that front.

I still haven't gotten a call back just to make an appointment for counseling so... we'll see :/