What does an anxiety attack feel like?

Hi readers, Good morning how are you all feeling today? Welcome once again to another of my article, as you read it any one passing through this should please pratise this.

What Does an Anxiety Attack Feel Like?There are both mental and physical symptoms to an anxiety attack.

What is anxiety? An unpleasant state of mental uneasiness, nervousness, apprehension and obsession or concern about some uncertain event.

*Mental symptoms * Mental symptoms of an anxiety attack can include:

Excessive irritability

Apprehension or worry

Finding it difficult to concentrate

Fear

Distress

A sense of uneasiness

Restlessness

And more…

Physical symptoms

Physical symptoms of an anxiety attack can include:

Disturbed sleep

Excessive fatigue

Feeling tense

An increased heart rate

Heart palpitations

Chest pain

Dry mouth

Tightness in the throat

Sweating

Increased startle response

Dizziness

Numbness or tingling

Shaking

And more…

What is a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks are easier to define because we have clinical consensus on the definition.

The official definition, according to the DSM is “A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that triggers severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause.”

Common Causes & Risk Factors

Panic attacks can be triggered by similar things that anxiety attacks are. Stress, social situations, phobias, or even driving can all trigger a panic attack. Panic disorders can also result in an attack as well.

Panic disorder

Repeatedly experiencing panic attacks can be a symptom of panic disorder. If you think you have a panic disorder, consider working with a mental health professional to alleviate some of the burdens. Seeing a therapist, whether in-person, or online, can be a good way for you to learn how to process and manage your anxiety.

Certain traumatic events can eventually cause panic disorder. Some people have developed it after witnessing sudden or graphic deaths. Witnessing an unexpected death can be so traumatic, it can make people feel like they might die in a moment, at any time, causing a panic attack.

Risk factors

Risk factors of panic attacks are very similar to those of anxiety attacks. They can include:

Stressful life events

Witnessing a trauma

Being diagnosed or living with a chronic health condition

Having another mental health condition like depression

Substance use or abuse

Having family members who also have panic disorders

What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?

The main difference between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack can be seen when looking at the mental and physical symptoms of a panic attack.

*Mental symptoms *

Mental symptoms of a panic attack can include:

Excessive fear

A sense of detachment

Fear of dying

Fear of losing control

And more…

Physical symptoms

Physical symptoms of a panic attack are the same as what you may experience during an anxiety attack. They can include:

Accelerated heart rates

Heart palpitations

Shortness of breath

Pain in the chest

Sweating

Dry mouth

Shaking

Feeling faint or dizzy

Tightness in the throat

And more…

How to Calm Anxiety or Panic Attacks

There are a number of ways you can face anxiety or panic attacks. There are many holistic things you can do to help calm yourself down, like simple lifestyle changes, for example. Experts have many other coping techniques they can share with you too.

Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S, LCSW-C, CMHIMP, EMDR, has some great ideas.

You can calm anxiety or panic attacks by learning to recognize the symptoms and practicing the following:

Acknowledging that you’re experiencing an episode and reminding yourself that it will not last forever

Practicing deep breathing, including the 4-7-8 breathing exercise

Doing a quick body scan, asking yourself where the anxiety is felt, and releasing it by shaking that body part

Talking to your anxiety and permitting it to stay for a bit, but reminding it that it has to leave

Practicing, meditation, mindfulness, or Tai Chi

Practicing Creative Visualization, where you imagine yourself in a calm and happy place like the beach or a mountain for a minute or 2, and then continue with your daily activities

Keep in mind that there is hope; a professional can treat both issues. Remind yourself about this when you want to feel calm.

An anxiety or panic attack may also be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or anti-anxiety medication. A panic attack can also be treated with CBT or with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants.

Staying informed and looking for help when you need it can create a sense of calmness and help you experience less anxiety or panic attacks in the future. You may get them, but knowing the differences between a panic attack vs. anxiety attack is the first step in being able to deal with them. You don’t have to let anxiety get the best of you — there is help available.

Take action today

Take a self-assessment

Find a licensed therapist

Connect with a prescriber