Thanks for sharing your 'panic' experience.

You're right in that these things are different for everyone.

I went through a similar episode about six months ago, almost exactly as you describe. It happened years before too.

For me it was journaling. At end of each day I'd write a page of jus the good things of the day. This was magical. Uplifting Buddhist reading helped, listening every night to Dharma talks on line were key.

I refused to watch any dark or upsetting series or movies. My sister counseled in this and assured me that almost always it was temporary, to gently ride it and at some point the mind magically it seems just starts to, lift away, a lightness returns. Its incredible but it does.

Treat yourself. If you like candies, have them!

Good, personal routines are helpful. For me it was never missing my daily meditation which I've done for many years.

At first I was surprised that even though I meditate this could happen. Well it did, it does. Meditation seemed to help pull me out.

I hope things are back on track for you. It almost feels as though mind goes through a reset phase, but then, almost all on its own determines, okay, time to go back.

Tom