People with Panic Attacks

Had my first one at 15.. got picked on in P.E. mercilessly, they were aiming volleyballs at my head. The room started spinning and I couldn't breathe. I didn't know what it was and it was so terrifying.
Thankfully I have never had one of that scale since then. I rarely get them anymore. They are for me triggered strictly by my social anxiety and especially the feeling of being overwhelmed by being stared at/judged by lots of people around (big crowds). I try now to detach myself from the situation/moment and "take" myself somewhere else. I'll sit down or close my eyes and remove myself from the trigger.
I remember once I had one at a Starbucks, and this young woman recognized it on my face. She mouthed, "Are you ok?" and looked deeply concerned. I came out of it and mouthed back, "Yes," and she smiled. I was so utterly touched by her concern for a complete stranger and I am still grateful to her for that. I believe if more people understood panic attacks (or, more aptly, *tried* to understand) and showed empathy and care for their sufferers like this woman, rather than stigmatise and say it's a "choice" (like is oft said about depression sufferers), there would be a lot less panic attacks in the world everyday.

I don't get them anywhere near as much as I used to, but I think it's because I've learned to avoid closed in spaces. The minute I feel them coming on I usually remove myself from what I think may be triggering them. The last one I had was at a swim meet that was too crowded and too hot and to make matters worse the only door in or out was a revolving door on a 10 minute timer. It took me awhile to compose myself when I got out of there and even more to talk myself into going back in.

I get them. I am not sure where to begin to explain them. I really am trying to work hard to getting fresh air when I feel it starting, turning on some music, closing my eyes and taking deep breaths, and overall try to focus on anything else. They are random, and so far it doesn't seem to come from the same situation. I really hope you find ways to deal with them. They are treatable and you can make life changes that will make them better. I am not on any drug because personally I really don't want to be, as I have a pretty addictive personality (I get addicted, not people are addicted to my personality, lol) and am scared to take something for too long. Feel free to msg me if you want to talk more, and I'm sorry in advance if I can't offer much advice other than my own experience.