Are Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks the Same Thing?
Are Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks the Same Thing?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by intense fear or unease, you may have wondered whether you were experiencing a panic attack or an anxiety attack. Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they describe different experiences. Understanding the distinction can help you seek the appropriate help and take steps toward improved mental health.
What Is a Panic Attack?
A panic attack is an intense, sudden episode of fear or discomfort, often without an apparent cause. It activates the body’s fight-or-flight response, flooding you with stress hormones like adrenaline. This can lead to physical and emotional symptoms such as:
- Rapid heart rate
- Shortness of breath or hyperventilation
- Chest pain
- Trembling or shaking
- Nausea
- Sweating or chills
- A feeling of detachment from reality or oneself
Panic attacks can feel terrifying, leading many to believe they’re having a heart attack or are in life-threatening danger. However, they are usually not physically harmful. Still, recurring panic attacks, a hallmark of panic disorder, can significantly disrupt daily life and mental well-being.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety attacks, while not a formal clinical term, describe episodes of heightened anxiety that build up gradually in response to stressors.
Symptoms can include:
- Persistent worry or fear
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
- Trouble sleeping
- A racing heart or nausea
Unlike panic attacks, which often occur without a trigger, anxiety attacks are typically tied to specific situations, such as exams, deadlines, or social interactions.
Key Differences Between Panic Attacks and Anxiety Attacks
While there is some overlap in symptoms, panic attacks and anxiety attacks differ in several ways:
- Onset: Panic attacks come on suddenly, while anxiety attacks build gradually.
- Triggers: Panic attacks often occur without a clear cause, whereas anxiety attacks are usually tied to identifiable stressors.
- Intensity: Panic attacks are more intense, often causing feelings of detachment from reality or fear of dying. Anxiety attacks, though distressing, are generally less extreme.
- Physical symptoms: Both involve physiological responses, but panic attacks can include chest pain, hyperventilation, and overwhelming fear. Anxiety attacks tend to cause restlessness, muscle tension, and milder physical symptoms.
When to Seek Help
If panic or anxiety attacks interfere with your quality of life, seeking professional support is essential. Symptoms like chest pain, trouble breathing, or prolonged attacks may require immediate medical attention to rule out physical health conditions.
For ongoing issues, consider reaching out to a mental health professional for therapy or other treatments. Options such as counselling in Kelowna, online therapy, or in-person therapy can provide tailored strategies to help you manage symptoms and improve your well-being.
How Therapy Can Help
In Kelowna and beyond, counselling and therapy can be invaluable for addressing panic and anxiety attacks. Evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) teach skills to manage stress, challenge unhelpful thought patterns, and reduce symptom severity.
Whether you choose in-person counselling in Kelowna or prefer the flexibility of online counselling, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. If you or someone you love struggles with anxiety or panic attacks, reaching out is the first step toward healing and recovery.
Take the Next Step
Your mental health is worth prioritizing. If you’re experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, connecting with a trusted therapist in Kelowna or exploring online options can help you find relief and regain control of your life.