What you Need to Know: The Difference between Anxiety and Panic Attacks
I used to have panic attacks every day. Often, they came out of nowhere and caused me to feel constricted and suffocated, almost as if I was waiting for the impending doom to strike. It took a while for them to subside, and as time went on, I began to do some light research on panic and anxiety attacks. I realized how important it is to identify the difference between anxiety and panic attacks. It might sound like a silly and unimportant thing to know about but identifying what you are experiencing is vital if you want to begin treating it. There are varying coping mechanisms to help someone deal with panic or anxiety attacks. Moreover, not everyone is able to afford therapy, a visit to their doctor, and even consultations. Therefore, educating yourself on both these things can help you, your loved ones, and those around you.
Panic attacks can be associated with a condition known as panic disorder. It is, however, still possible to have panic attacks with no disorder present. If you have not experienced it, it can involve an intense feeling of fear, and can cause someone to feel like they are dying. Someone experiencing a panic attack may find themselves feeling detached and losing control. In addition to this, one may experience physical symptoms as well like chest pain, sweating, and feeling dizzy.
Anxiety attacks on the other hand are a little different. They can last much longer than a couple minutes and may span days, weeks, and even months. Panic attacks do not seem to have an obvious trigger, yet anxiety builds up over time. It may involve excessively worrying about something, feeling restless and irritable when things get overwhelming, and they may feel dizzy too.
Knowing these symptoms can aid you if you ever think you are experiencing an anxiety or panic attack. It will allow you to seek treatment if you are able to and maybe get diagnosed. For instance, receiving a diagnosis can provide some relief for patients as it brings them one step closer to obtaining treatment. Panic and anxiety attacks can be debilitating for many people and often, they may worry about when the onset of their attack will be. Therefore, receiving and acknowledging the problem will provide solace for many individuals.
There may be some treatment options available to individuals that deal with these issues. Getting prescribed medications is one option. This sometimes can either be done on its own or may even be combined with therapy or counseling. Sometimes, treatment can also involve practicing breathing exercises and grounding techniques to aid with panic attacks. Learning about grounding techniques and breathing exercises allowed me to help my younger brother when he experienced a panic attack for the first time.
It can never hurt to educate people about the differences between two things that seem identical because there is nothing to lose. All the extra information will only ensure that we are well equipped with the right tools in case we ever need to use them on ourselves, our peers, and our loved ones.
