Panic Attack Vs Anxiety Attack Difference

Panic Attack Vs Anxiety Attack – Human brain is among the most complicated organs in the human body. It can have so many different types of problems than anyone can ever imagine. Yes, I did, body organs can also pick up diseases, but mental problems are way more difficult to tackle as compared to any other disease in the body.

Mental problems are not as easy as one might think. Not everyone will get mad as soon as they get mental problems, but some problems can cause conditions like anxiety, panic attacks, depression, etc. if someone is suffering from mental issues, it doesn’t mean they are mad, or they cannot understand those things.

For example, people who have depression will stay alone and won’t talk to anyone, but they will operate like any other normal person. One of the biggest problems with mental issues is that even in the 21st century, people do not like to talk about these issues.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States have reported that the United States requires millions of different cases of mental problems each year, and these cases are growing among youngsters also.

Today we will discuss two of the most famous mental health issues. We will try to compare and take a look at Panic Attacks Vs Anxiety Attacks. It will help you understand both of the problems so that you can treat yourself or help get the treatment if anyone else is suffering from a similar issue.

What is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a unique mental condition where a person will have an attack with an intense and sudden feeling of fear. At the same time, they also start feeling discomfort and several other mental symptoms. 

It can have several symptoms, including feelings of unreality, feeling detached from oneself, fear of dying, and fear of losing control or going crazy. At the same time, there is also a probability that you will start feeling.

Apart from regular mental symptoms, there are some physical symptoms also associated with regular panic attacks. The person who is experiencing a panic attack might also complain about having chest pain, chills, excessive sweating, the feeling of choking, dizziness, trembling, and shaking.

It is just a small list as a person might also start experiencing breathing problems due to panic attacks. In situations like shortness of breath or difficulty, while breathing, a person might have to seek medical assistance.

Usually, a person starts feeling a panic attack when they do not expect the situation to be like that. For example, you are going on a Hiking trip, and now you have to cross a difficult-looking river to get back home.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a little bit different as compared to panic attacks because anxiety takes a considerable amount of time to build up. Usually, a person takes a little bit longer to develop anxiety by thinking or worrying about something in the future.

When a person starts thinking about something too much, they start feeling overwhelmed, and it can also trigger an attack of symptoms.

In anxiety, a person might start feeling difficulty concentrating on the work, irritability, and restlessness. At the same time, there are some physical symptoms also, which might include difficulty while sleeping, dizziness, fatigue, increased heart rate, and increased mental tension.

At first, you might think anxiety is like a panic attack, but the symptoms of anxiety are going to be way less intense.

Panic Attack Vs Anxiety Attack Differences

Before we move ahead, let’s take a look at the main differences between panic attacks vs anxiety attacks. If you have not understood the difference between panic attacks and anxiety attacks yet, it will help you understand it more clearly.

A panic attack is usually triggered by some situation, and its symptoms start appearing suddenly. One minute a person is going to be very happy, and another minute a person might start experiencing severe symptoms like something has attacked them mentally. 

 An anxiety attack is a response to a perceived stressor or threat. Usually, it happens when a person starts thinking about something too much, and the emotions take over their regular mental state. A panic attack can also have a huge variety of symptoms, and these symptoms build up gradually.

One of the biggest differences between panic attacks and anxiety attacks is the timing of the symptoms. In panic attacks, a person will start building up symptoms rapidly, and these symptoms will also go away at a similar speed. 

On the other hand, anxiety attacks can build up symptoms over a longer period of time, and you also require a little bit longer. To get better from the symptoms.

Treatment for panic attacks and anxiety attacks

Before we wrap this session, let’s take a look at some of the treatment options for panic attacks and anxiety attacks. Your doctor might suggest you go for home remedies and medical treatment at the same time. A combination of both types of treatments can provide better and faster results. 

Apart from all that, your doctor might also suggest you go for counseling and some lifestyle changes.

Home remedies

Let’s first discuss some of the home remedies as your doctor will also suggest you adopt as many home remedies as possible. 

Kindly remember home remedies for panic attacks and anxiety attacks can not be the same for each and every person. For example, a person who has a fear of height might respond to different types of home remedies than a person who has a fear of water.

• In case you are experiencing anxiety or panic attacks, the first thing you should do is take slow and deep breaths. Deep and slow breaths will help you understand the situation, and also, you can prepare your mind for the outcome. You can keep repeating it until you feel comfortable.
• The next thing you can do as a home remedy for panic attacks or anxiety attacks is to recognize and accept what you are experiencing. Keep reminding yourself that the situation will also pass, and you will feel better soon.
• Lastly, you can start using some relaxation techniques which can help you feel more relaxed. These techniques can include guided imagery, aromatherapy, and muscle relaxation.

Medication

When you go for the treatment of any attack or anxiety attack, your doctor might give you some medication so that you can feel relaxed and focus on other things also.

• Your doctor might give you prescribed antidepressants as these medicines are known to help people feel more relaxed in difficult situations.
• At the same time, you might also be recommended some beta blockers to manage your physical symptoms, including rapid heart rate and difficulty breathing.
• Anti-anxiety drugs are also among the most popular medicines to treat both anxiety and panic attacks.

Therapy

Canopy is among the best treatments for both anxiety and panic attacks. Usually, doctors suggest everyone go for counseling and psychotherapy at the same time to improve their conditions.

•  Cognitive behavioral therapy is among the most powerful types of counseling or therapy for panic attacks and anxiety attacks. It can help you see things in a new way so that you won’t have to worry about the outcome.
• Another important therapy for panic attacks and anxiety attacks is cognitive therapy which can help you pinpoint or reframe your thoughts that might be triggering any of the above-given situations.
• Relaxation techniques which might include breathing exercises, guided imagery, progressive relaxation, and autogenic training, can also help a person come out of anxiety and panic attacks.

Lifestyle Changes

A lot of time, lifestyle changes can also help a person come out of anxiety and panic attack situations. Usually, lifestyle choices trigger panic and anxiety attacks.

• The first thing you can do to reduce your chances of panic and anxiety attacks is to manage and reduce your stress. It is among the biggest triggers, and you should avoid it as much as possible.
• You should learn how to identify and stop having any kind of negative thoughts.
• You should start having mild to moderate exercises on a regular basis. Regular exercises can also help you divert your mind from tough situations.
• Along with exercises, you should also focus on your diet. Only relying on fast food can increase your stress hormones. You should include all food and healthy food in your regular diet.
• Lastly, you should limit your consumption of alcohol and caffeinated beverages.