Panic attacks and anxiety can come out of nowhere and make it difficult to function. As humans, anxiety is a natural response that allows us to avoid threats and kicks in our fight, flight, or freeze instincts. But sometimes, anxiety is provoked by imagined threats, even triggering a panic attack. Anxiety and panic are not the same. So what are they? What are the differences? This post will discuss what they are and how they appear.
What Is Anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling of fear and worry about what might happen in the future. Some anxiety is a normal part of life, but it can persist, worsening over time. Examples of normal anxiety are related to worries over bills, work, schoolwork and more. Anxiety is a complex emotion that affects how we think, feel, and act.
Anxiety disorders are a group of mental health conditions that cause excessive worry, fear, or unease. They can interfere with daily activities like work, school, and relationships. There are many types of anxiety disorders, but some of the most common include:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), where there are continuous feelings of dread that interfere with everyday life.
- Social anxiety disorder, which causes people to feel intense fear of socializing and social events that feel out of control. It can make it hard for people to fulfill daily duties, such as attending school or work and any social events.
- Panic disorder, which can cause sudden attacks.
Symptoms of Anxiety
- Feeling uneasy or on edge
- Easily fatigued
- Difficulty focusing
- Irritability
- Aches and pains (headaches, stomachaches, unexplained pains)
- Persistent and uncontrolled worry
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling (especially with social anxiety)
- Pounding or racing heart
- Difficulty making eye contact or being around new people
- Feelings of self-consciousness or fear of judgment
What Are Panic Attacks?
Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. They can be very frightening and distressing. People with panic disorder suffer from frequent panic attacks. Thankfully, not everyone who experiences panic attacks develops panic disorder. It is not known exactly what causes panic attacks, but some possible triggers include extended periods of stress, phobias, and too much caffeine.
Symptoms of Panic Attacks
- Sense of impending doom or danger
- Rapid, pounding heart rate
- Sweating
- Trembling or shaking
- Shortness of breath or tightness in the throat
- Hot flashes or chills
- Nausea
- Abdominal cramping
- Chest pain
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
- Numbness or tingling sensation
How to Cope With Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Coping with anxiety and panic attacks is not easy. Always seek professional help to treat and cope with these conditions appropriately. There are tools you will learn through counseling that will help you deal with the symptoms, such as breathing exercises, object focusing, or muscle relaxation.