Anxiety and panic attacks are two of the most common mental health issues people struggle with today. Both conditions can have a significant impact on your life, but they differ in the severity and length of the symptoms.
Anxiety attacks are a response to a certain situation that can cause fear and discomfort. Symptoms may include a racing heart, difficulty breathing, and feeling overwhelmed. Anxiety attacks typically last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and are usually considered milder than panic attacks.
On the other hand, panic attacks can be much more severe. Symptoms may include intense fear, chest pains, an elevated heart rate, and an extreme feeling of being out of control. Panic attacks can last from a few minutes to an hour or longer and can be extremely distressing to the person experiencing them.
Anxiety and panic attacks can have similar symptoms, but the experience is often different. People have reported that anxiety attacks tend to feel more like an unpleasant sensation in the body, while panic attacks are more of a mental experience. Additionally, anxiety attacks may be more predictable, as they are usually triggered by an external factor such as a stressful situation or environment. Panic attacks, on the other hand, can occur for no discernible or obvious reason.
Ultimately, the best way to tell the difference between anxiety and panic attacks is to be aware of your own symptoms and to communicate them to your healthcare provider. A qualified medical professional should be able to help you determine whether you are having an anxiety attack or panic attack and provide the best approach for managing your symptoms and getting help.
