Panic attacks and anxiety attacks are two words that are often used interchangeably, although the two conditions are not the same. In this blog post, we’ll go over the main distinctions between the two, as well as the most frequent physical and psychological symptoms that individuals suffer as a result.
Anxiety episodes are a common occurrence.
Anxiety is a broad word that covers a variety of emotions. It’s something that almost everyone has experienced at some point in their lives, typically as a result of a stressful or high-pressure situation. In the event that anxiety becomes a problem, it may show itself in a variety of ways, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), health anxieties, social anxieties, and obsessant compulsive disorders (OCD).
Anxiety attacks occur when our emotions reach a dangerously high level or last for an excessive amount of time.
What is the source of these problems?
There are plenty of possible causes. It could be that someone is concerned or frightened about something, or in a setting that’s known to give them anxiety. Another cause of anxiety attacks is stress, as well as previous events, such as when someone has gone through a traumatic event.
What does it feel like to be them?
It is common for individuals to have distinct anxiety episodes, and they manifest themselves in a variety of ways. These physical sensations, which are often common in panic attacks, may include racing or pounding heartbeats as well as shakiness, nausea, or light-headedness. These symptoms occur when the body prepares to cope with a problem. Other symptoms reported by people include flushing, stomach pains and indigestion, and difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Someone experiencing an anxiety attack may also have cognitive symptoms that are not visible to the naked eye, such as excessive worrying, flashbacks, perfectionism, or feelings of fatigue or powerlessness. It’s possible to experience cognitive symptoms without having physical symptoms.
How long do they last?
Unlike panic episodes, they tend to persist longer, often for hours or days at a time, and they may develop gradually over time.
When is it appropriate to seek therapy or support? You should seek treatment if your anxiety symptoms are interfering with your daily activities or if you have begun to avoid situations that may trigger your anxiety symptoms. Struggling against the symptoms will not make them go away; in fact, it is possible that this may exacerbate their severity.
Panic attacks.
Extreme dread or panic episodes that may occur at any moment are known as “panic attacks.” They are bodily responses that may be very severe in nature; we are more likely to feel the symptoms in our own bodies when they occur.
What is the source of these problems? A panic episode may happen to anybody at any time. They are not always associated with a clear cause or explanation, and they may appear seemingly out of nowhere at any time.
What does it feel like to be them?
It’s likely that if you ask a group of individuals who all suffer from panic attacks what they’re like, they’ll all describe their experiences in a very similar manner, which isn’t always the case when people suffer from anxiety attacks.
Racing heartbeats, nausea, trembling and sweating, as well as trouble breathing and dizziness, are all common signs of this condition. It’s possible for some individuals to have such severe symptoms that they believe they are very sick or perhaps dying.
What is the duration of their existence? They may begin at any time and without warning. The peak of a panic attack is achieved in about 10 minutes, after which the assault begins to decrease. As opposed to anxiety episodes, they do not persist for hours or days at a time.
Panic attacks may be a one-time occurrence; thus, just because you’ve had one does not imply that the issue will persist. Some individuals, however, may have an attack as a result of their fears that it may happen again, particularly if they are in the same place or scenario as previously.
When is it appropriate to seek therapy or support?
If panic episodes are interfering with your capacity to operate normally, it is worthwhile to seek professional assistance. Recognize when you’ve begun to avoid particular locations or circumstances – putting off doing the grocery shopping after having an attack in the supermarket, for example – and take steps to remedy the problem.
Remember that fear or worry are not signs of weakness, regardless of whether or not you are feeling them. You may experience them as a normal bodily reaction to a danger or stress, as your body attempts to ensure that you are capable of taking action. While this response was formerly extremely beneficial – and it still may be valuable if we find ourselves in danger or a crisis – it is not particularly helpful the majority of time!
Panic and anxiety episodes may be very debilitating, but the symptoms can be treated and controlled with the right tools. Both react very well to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which will assist you with understanding what you’re going through and will give you with methods, skills, and tactics for dealing with your situation. Many individuals report feeling better after completing the training.
