Panic Attacks vs Anxiety Attacks: What's the difference?
Mariella Arceo
Jul 12, 2022
Do you know the difference between anxiety attacks and panic attacks? If not, you are not alone. A lot of people don't know the difference, because the two terms are often used interchangeably. However, there is a big difference between the two. In this blog post, we will discuss what anxiety attacks and panic attacks are, and how they differ from each other.
What are panic attacks?
Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear or anxiety. They usually peak within minutes, and can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Symptoms of panic attacks typically include heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, sweating, trembling, and dizziness, among many others.
Some people also experience mental symptoms during a panic attack, such as a fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying. Panic attacks can be very frightening, and may even lead to a feeling of being detached from reality.
What are anxiety attacks?
Anxiety attacks are similar to panic attacks in that they are also sudden, intense episodes of fear or anxiety. However, anxiety attacks do not always peak within minutes, and can last for hours or even days.
Anxiety attacks also typically involve physical symptoms such as racing heartbeat, a choking feeling, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sweating, trembling, and dizziness. However, the mental symptoms experienced during an anxiety attack are different from those experienced during a panic attack.
With an anxiety attack, people may feel a sense of impending doom or danger, but they do not usually feel detached from reality.
What's the difference between an anxiety and a panic attack?
The main difference is that panic attacks tend to be more intense and happen more suddenly than anxiety attacks. Panic attacks also usually peak within minutes, while anxiety attacks can last for hours or even days. Both types of episodes can be very frightening, and may involve physical and mental symptoms. If you are experiencing repeated panic attacks and anxiety attacks, it is important to seek professional help.
What triggers panic attacks and anxiety attacks?
There are many different things that can trigger a panic or anxiety attack. For some people, it may be a specific situation, such as being in a crowded place or riding on an airplane. For others, there may be no obvious trigger. Panic and anxiety attacks can also be caused by stress, illness, or certain medications. If you have panic or anxiety attacks, it is important to talk to your doctor to find out what might be causing them.
How can one deal with anxiety and panic attacks?
If you have anxiety or panic attacks, there are some things that you can do to help manage them.
First, it is important to identify your triggers and try to avoid them if possible. If you cannot avoid your triggers, try to desensitize yourself to them by exposure therapy. Exposure therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to your trigger in a safe and controlled environment. This can help you learn to cope with your trigger and may eventually lessen the intensity of your anxiety or panic attacks.
Second, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises or meditation can also help. These techniques can help you calm down during an anxiety or panic attack and prevent future episodes from occurring.
Finally, it is important to seek professional help if you are having difficulty managing your anxiety or panic attacks. A mental health professional can help you identify your triggers and develop a treatment plan to manage your symptoms and prevent unexpected panic attacks in the future.
Anxiety and panic attacks can be very frightening, but there are things that you can do to manage them. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks, please seek medical help. With the right treatment, you can learn to control your anxiety and live a normal, healthy life.
You don't have to let overwhelming anxiety, intense fear or a traumatic event take control of your everyday life any further. Mosaic Minds Counseling cares about your mental health. symptoms. Don't hesitate to reach out and get connected with our therapists to explore the best treatment plan for you.Â