Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack
Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack:
Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack are both characterized by an abrupt onset of symptoms, but these symptoms can manifest in different ways.
The best way to understand the difference between Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack , and how to treat them, is to break them down by their signs and symptoms.
In this article, we’ll go over how to tell if you’re having an Panic Attack vs Anxiety Attack , and how to treat both to alleviate your symptoms as soon as possible.
Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack
Many of us will experience an anxiety attack at some point in our lives. In fact, panic attacks are one of the most common mental disorders experienced by Americans.
Anxiety attacks often begin and end suddenly, but they can also last for hours at a time. Physical symptoms include dizziness, nausea, sweating, trembling and feelings of suffocation or being choked.
Psychological symptoms include feeling restless or irritable; experiencing difficulty concentrating; and feeling fearful or overwhelmed.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
The most common symptoms of a panic attack are chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and feelings of unreality.
These can quickly escalate into a fear of dying or losing control. In some cases people may also feel detached from themselves as if they are watching a movie.
With panic attacks it’s important to remain calm and remind yourself that these symptoms are simply caused by anxiety and aren’t life threatening.
Some other common signs include feeling like you’re about to lose control or going crazy, sudden urges to leave somewhere where you’re at (including your home), trembling/shaking hands and trouble breathing.
When to Seek Help
You can feel as if you’re having a heart attack or stroke, experience chest pain and shortness of breath, or suddenly develop a fear of dying.
Heart attacks and strokes don’t cause these kinds of symptoms, however, so you might not recognize that you are experiencing anxiety.
When it comes to chest pain, one sensation is different from another: while a heart attack feels like an elephant sitting on your chest (known as substernal pressure),
A panic attack is often described as tightness in your chest without being able to take deep breaths. Take note that dizziness along with chest pain could be signs of an oncoming panic attack.
Telling Your Doctor About Your Symptoms
Talking to your doctor is an important step in treating anxiety attacks. Your doctor can help you rule out other physical and mental illnesses, reassure you that there isn’t anything more serious going on, and work with you on your treatment plan.
It’s also important for your doctor to know about any medications or supplements you take so they can check for interactions or adverse reactions.
Because panic attacks are often treated with medications, it’s important that your doctor knows about all other medications you’re taking (prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbs and supplements) so that they can determine whether those medications aren’t contributing to or causing adverse reactions if taken with your primary one.
Common Ways To Manage Your Stress And Reduce Your Anxiety
Any and all physical symptoms of anxiety (racing heart, sweating, nausea) can be easily addressed with breathing exercises.
Breathing is a universal constant that no one can argue with; you either are breathing or you’re not. Take a moment to close your eyes and take three deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Notice how good it feels to be able to draw breath into your body and get rid of old air that was sitting in your lungs! This simple act of drawing breath into our bodies helps put our mind at ease when we feel like we can’t do so on our own.
Tips For Better Sleep
Getting an adequate amount of sleep is one of best things you can do for your mental health. It allows your body and mind time to rest, heal, and recharge.
Lack of sleep can lead to a myriad of side effects like increased stress levels, weight gain, decreased cognitive function, and even depression.
It’s also been shown that poor sleeping habits are associated with anxiety attacks as well as panic attacks. If you feel like you aren’t getting enough shut-eye on a regular basis, here are some tips for better sleep
The Importance Of Getting Regular Exercise
While there are many health and psychological benefits associated with regular exercise, one of its main effects is to provide stress relief.
Exercise causes our body’s natural feel good chemicals known as endorphins to be released, and these help combat anxiety. In addition, regular physical activity helps reduce high blood pressure which can trigger panic attacks in some people.
People suffering from panic attacks might find that exercise also alleviates dizziness and exhaustion (common symptoms) or worsens it (less common).
If you’re suffering from frequent panic attacks, keep a diary of your physical symptoms before, during and after exercise sessions. Keeping a record might help you recognize patterns that could clue you into potential triggers for an attack.
Managing Stress During Financial Hardship
During a financial hardship, it’s easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed. The best way to prevent additional stress is by taking care of yourself.
Try exercising regularly, eating healthy meals, and finding ways to relax without spending money. If your financial hardship continues and you start feeling depressed or having recurring thoughts of self-harm, reach out for help as soon as possible.
Professional counseling can help you develop a plan for getting through your financial struggles that doesn’t include more debt. Seeking treatment before your financial struggles take their toll could save you from years of debt-related anxiety later on in life.
