That feeling of being slightly detached from reality is a scary one and it is something I have experienced since I was about five. I would have it in School assemblies and would then feel very panicked andhave to leave the room.... when I feel it coming on now I can distract myself, if I allow it to absorb me then I feel terrified almost.
Feeling panicky is a horrible feelin, and can be debilitating, but it cannot harm us.