For me, one of the worst parts about an attack is when I fall unconscious. The distressing thoughts and feelings are awful, but it is terrifying knowing that when you leave the house there is chance you will collapse. It is especially terrifying when I'm walking next to some of the main roads in my area, I just don't know what will happen to me.
Below is a description of what happens to me (please don't read if it is likely to make you feel bad)
When I get an attack I start to hyperventilate and I start to become very dizzy. I feel trapped, like there is no way out and it feels like my body is shutting down. I become very aware of everything that is going wrong with my body, but it feels like I can't stop it and I become hysterical. I will start shaking and my limbs start violently jerking, however I have to get up and get to a toilet quickly as I know I'm going to start being sick everywhere. My blood levels start to go crazy and I am filled with desperation, I become convinced I am going to die. After a couple of minutes I will normally fall unconscious, however this does not mean an end to the attack. I have had attacks that have lasted hours, and it just feels like this never-ending horrific cycle.
I'm very lucky that my fiancé knows how to deal with me. He is good at calming me down and stopping it before it goes too far. I make pom-poms, I have a fairly large one that hangs off my bag, and two small ones that hang off a bracelet on my wrist. I find that feeling these can be a big help when it comes to calming down.