Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack: What’s the Real Difference?

Feeling a racing heart, trouble breathing, or sudden fear is more common than you might think. Most individuals suffer episodes of anxiety, yet it becomes difficult to attribute them to anxiety attacks or panic attacks. What helps is supportive and proper treatment, and understanding the distinction between panic attacks and anxiety.

In this guide, we are going to simplify the concept of anxiety attack vs panic attack. We are also going to address how experiencing a panic attack and anxiety attack might feel. We also explain how you or your loved one can get help in Spokane Valley, Washington, and nearby areas.

Panic attack vs Anxiety attack?

Difference between anxiety and panic attack is not interchangeable, though people tend to switch terms instead of referring to one or another. Although they are both reactions to stress or intense fear, they differ in terms of their intensity, duration, and sources.

End the Emotional Pain. Get Your Life Back.

Feeling Depressed, Anxious or Struggling with Mental Health Illness? Get Safe Comfortable Mental Health Dual Diagnosis High-Quality Therapy From Counselors That Care. Begin Your Recovery Now.

Hotline: (509) 348-4077

Anxiety Attack

The term anxiety attack is not official in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5), but is used by people to indicate a time of excessive worry or fear. It advances slowly and is most often associated with an apparent cause, such as work stress, health issues, or relationship problems,

Symptoms of an anxiety attack may include the following.

1. Restlessness or irritability
2. Trouble sleeping
3. Fatigue
4. Difficulty concentrating
5. Increased heart rate
6. Chest pain or tightness
7. Feeling tense or nervous
8. Physical symptoms like dizziness or stomachaches
9. Shortness of breath

Anxiety attacks usually last longer than panic attacks. People often link them to chronic stress or unresolved issues.

Panic Attack

A panic attack creeps up and is characterized by the fact that its onset can hardly be determined. It is uncomfortable and can make you feel overwhelmed. This usually happens within 20 minutes, but it feels much longer.

Symptoms of panic attack include the following.

1. Rapid or pounding heart rate
2. Sweating or shaking
3. Trouble breathing or a choking feeling
4. Feeling detached from reality
5. Numbness or tingling
6. Fear of dying or “going crazy”
7. Chest pain (often confused with a heart attack)
8. Feeling lightheaded or faint

These attacks are life-threatening if they are not treated, not in the fact that they are going to hurt you somehow physically, but because they can have very severe impacts on your personality and quality of life.

What Do Anxiety Attacks Feel Like?

Anxiety attacks feel overwhelming, both physically and mentally. You might experience an intense feeling that something bad is about to happen, even if there’s no clear reason. Your body may become tense, your heart rate may increase, and your breathing can feel shallow. Thoughts may race, making it hard to focus, and you might feel restless, edgy, or on high alert.

Compared to panic attacks that suddenly come out of nowhere, anxiety develops gradually and hangs around for days or even weeks. Others say they are stuck in their heads, feeling deep down, thinking about the worst scenarios all the time.

Are Anxiety and Panic Attacks Dangerous?

Anxiety and panic attacks are not physically dangerous, but can produce a severe, detrimental impact on your general well-being. Anxious feelings now and then or regular cases of panic attacks may lead to the following.

1. Mental health conditions like depression
2. Avoidant behaviors that interfere with daily life
3. Trouble sleeping or eating
4. Problems at work or in relationships
5. Mistaken medical diagnoses, such as thinking you are having a heart attack when in reality it was a panic attack

Untreated, such episodes may lead to more complex disorders or aggravate existing problems.

Getting the Right Help: When to See a Professional

If you or someone you know feels anxious, has had a panic attack, or has PTSD, it’s important to get help. Talk to a mental health professional. You can also visit a mental health center.

We Level Up Washington helps people understand their feelings. We also help identify medical conditions and manage triggers. Our goal is to improve well-being using proven methods. Despite anxiety or panic, our therapists do provide talk therapy to help regain control and to identify triggers.

Effective Treatment Options

Medications, therapy methods, and coping skills can make all the difference.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT has been cited as one of the best methods of handling panic and anxiety attacks. It helps to change the negative way of thinking and substitute it with healthier ones.

Relaxation Techniques

1. Deep breathing
2. Guided imagery
3. Progressive muscle relaxation

These practices stimulate your body’s natural stress response and relax the nervous system.

Lifestyle Adjustments

1. Limit caffeine and alcohol
2. Exercise regularly
3. Practice mindfulness or meditation
4. Maintain a sleep routine

Medications

Medications can be prescribed by doctors in certain situations to alleviate signs of anxiety or to control acute symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

The initial step in establishing control again is to understand the distinction between anxiety attack and a panic attack. Both are real, valid, and have the right to attention and care.

Do not dismiss how you are feeling. Reach out and seek mental health care at We Level Up Washington. You can get help for yourself or a family member. The best help is just a phone call away.

Let We Level Up Washington accompany you on the way to recovery and serenity. You are not the only one, and you do not need to cope with this yourself.

Summary

Call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.