What’s the difference between anxiety attacks and just being nervous?

I get nervous A LOT. If there’s an edge of uncertainty, unfamiliarity, I get this terrible feeling in my chest just thinking about it. Sometimes it happens randomly, like when I’m playing on the computer, all of sudden I feel like I’m very scared even though I’m not. It’s so bad I have to stop playing and hold my heart for a few minutes, focusing on breathing, but it doesn’t sound as bad as wikipedia’s description of panic attacks. Most of the time its related to over-worrying about unfamilar situations. I’m so uncomfortable with customers I woke from a dream last night out of fear, dreaming of a threatening customer. Do I have a disorder? One that’s treatable? I want this to go away. Or is this just a personality trait I have to put up with?

From what you are saying, it sounds as if you are suffering from mild panic attacks.
You are doing the right thing in dealing with it and that is concentrating on your breathing to relax you.
There are many ways in which you can overcome this, it depends on what you are interested in doing. Certain exercising techniques can help, so can certain types of drugs.
Look it up and find one that will suit you.
Good luck x

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