Has anyone ever suffered from panic attacks in consulting client site or otherwise?

My friend (no, honestly, it really is a friend - not me :-) has panic attacks but is doing okay in a Big 4 firm.What did you want to know?

Well, Panic attacks are a sign of poor work life balance, or working under too much pressure/no sleep/excess traveling/excess caffeine..and every other element surrounding life as a consultant. What is this industry becoming?...that's what I'm wondering. Take deep breaths, water, fresh air. Avoid coffee, late dinners, and repetitive thoughts that you 'might have one' again.

John, I have had panic attacks - and anxiety - and have had it treated. I understand your need to seek advice but I would strongly reccoment you see a professional and NOT use this forum as a sounding board. These are serious matters and this forum is definetely not the best place to address them.

Stress is subjective so the drivers and exacerbating factors are different for each individual. Sleep, caffeine, etc. are biochemical factors for some people, but if your panic attacks are starting to get in the way of the rest of your life then it might be worth diagnosing your own factors (potentially with professional guidance) and working to address those.

I used to suffer from them alot a few years back before I became a consultant working as a grad now in a small consultancy and I'm fine in the office just get abit under pressure on client site need to take deep breaths. I'm only starting out in my career and am worried about it affecting me and my work life I did seek professional advice a few years ago and I kept it undercontrol I'm just afraid of it taking over again......

Jeez ! Is this for real? I have to agree with tyhe "pop" person that this is not really the place to air such issues as they are a tad personal etc...... However this is real life now, you've got the 2.1 , the MBA etc and alas all that studying proved what I've said for a long time....... not the full picnic for many...... ever been out and got totally wasted, had a fight, really tasted life or have Mummy and Daddy always been there as lender/helper of last resort? Hash perhaps but let's get real here...am I wrong? More to the point perhaps am I bothered?