How severe are these anxiety attacks?

I just want to know how common this form of anxiety is. In my worst anxiety attacks, I am overwhelmed with sorrow. This results in me feeling restless and helpless like a child. A need for someone to talk to, to kill the pain of loneliness and sorrow. Crying "on the inside".

Then it gradually fades away and life is okey again.

I am sorry if this sounds manic but it's the best way to describe it.

Is it a common manifestation of anxiety? How would you grade it on a severity scale?