Feeling overwhelmed? It's crucial to know the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack. While both involve intense emotional distress, they're not the same.
**Anxiety attacks** are often triggered by specific stressors and build gradually. Think intense worry leading up to a big presentation. Symptoms include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and muscle tension. They might feel overwhelming, but generally don't reach the sudden, extreme intensity of a panic attack.
**Panic attacks**, on the other hand, tend to strike suddenly and seemingly out of the blue. They involve intense physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a feeling of impending doom. Many describe feeling like they're having a heart attack. Panic attacks usually peak within minutes and then subside.
The key takeaway? Anxiety attacks build, often have triggers, and are less physically intense. Panic attacks are sudden, can feel completely random, and are characterized by intense physical symptoms. Knowing the difference can help you better manage your mental health and seek appropriate support. If you're experiencing either, consider talking to a mental health professional.
