Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks: How Are They Different?

Stress and anxiety have become common experiences. However, when these feelings escalate, they can sometimes be mistaken for a panic attack. This article will discuss these differences, providing an understanding of what sets them apart and how to cope with each condition.

Anxiety: An Overview

Anxiety is something that everyone experiences. It’s just your body’s way of preparing for any possible dangers or situations that might come your way. Anxiety can even be beneficial in small doses as it keeps us alert, focused, and ready for action.

However, when anxiety starts to affect our day-to-day activities, it becomes a mental health issue.

Many people worldwide are affected by Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), widely recognized as the most common anxiety disorder. The defining characteristic involves constant and excessive worry about various aspects of their lives.

These may include work-related stress, relationship issues, health concerns, or seemingly trivial matters like upcoming events or daily chores.

Panic Attacks: An Overview

A panic attack is an overwhelming experience of intense fear or terror that can strike at any moment, leaving you feeling helpless and alone. These episodes often peak within minutes and can cause incapacitating physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and chest pain.

If someone has frequent panic attacks, they might have Panic Disorder, a condition marked by recurring attacks or the fear of future episodes. Panic attacks can also happen in other anxiety disorders, such as Social Anxiety or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Key Differences Between Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks

1) Intensity: The most significant difference between anxiety and panic attacks is their intensity levels. Anxiety is like being constantly worried or afraid, while panic attacks are sudden and involve overwhelming fear or terror. Physical symptoms can be more intense during a panic attack than anxiety.

2) Duration: Anxiety can linger for days, weeks, or even months, while a panic attack hits hard and fast but typically goes away quickly.

3) Triggers: While stressors can trigger anxiety and panic attacks, anxiety tends to be more related to everyday concerns like job stress or relationship issues. Panic attack triggers can stem from irrational fears or exaggerated responses to a perceived threat.

4) Physical Symptoms: Anxiety and panic attacks share some physical symptoms, such as a racing heartbeat, breathing difficulty, sweating, and shaking. However, panic attacks have other symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, hot flashes, nausea, and feeling like you’re losing control.

Coping Strategies for Anxiety and Panic Attacks

1) Deep Breathing: Focusing on slow, deep breaths helps provide your body with oxygen while distracting your thoughts from the source of your anxiety or panic.

2) Progressive Muscle Relaxation: This technique involves tensing specific muscle groups for a few seconds before releasing them. Doing so has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety levels.

3) Journaling: Writing down thoughts about sources of anxiety can help provide clarity and perspective on the situation.

4) Communication: Sharing your emotions with trusted people is a great way to let out built-up tension while receiving support.

5) Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thought patterns that contribute to feelings of fear.

Final Thoughts

While anxiety and panic attacks share similar symptoms, they are two distinct conditions. Understanding that anxiety and panic attacks are not the same is essential for accurately determining our mental health needs.