Panic attacks are much more severe compared to anxiety disorders. There are many causes of anxiety including illness, medications, heredity and trauma or stress. There are people who manage stress well, while other have difficulties. Also monitor what you eat very closely as that will help you identify the exact foods that trigger a panic attack. After a moment, sit up, inhale through your nose fully, and exhale fully through your mouth, and look up a little bit. You may have thought you would not live through this experience or you would lose control.