Posted on July 8, 2024

Everyone feels nervous or worried from time to time. After all, anxiety can be a valuable emotion as it warns us about potential dangers. However, this helpful process can become counterproductive if anxiety becomes chronic. We can begin experiencing fear and stress even when threats are not present. If left unaddressed, this trend can develop into an anxiety disorder — the world’s most common mental health issue.

A person with an anxiety disorder is susceptible to anxiety attacks. Even though it’s not the same as a “panic attack,” the terms are frequently used interchangeably. This post will explain the differences, but its focus is on anxiety attacks.

Anxiety Attack or Panic Attack?

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder. Panic attacks are part of this condition. So, technically, a panic attack is a version of an anxiety attack. But here are a few ways they are clinically differentiated:

Anxiety attacks tend to be in response to a specific (real or perceived) danger.
Panic attacks feel as if they arrive out of nowhere but typically subside more quickly than an anxiety attack.

That said, such rules are made to be broken. Therefore, it’s prudent that you seek professional guidance when trying to tell them apart. For starters, check out the information below.

Common Signs and Symptoms of an Anxiety Attack

Of course, each person and each instance is unique, but the following list includes some universal tendencies:

Racing thoughts
Irritability and angry outbursts
Nausea and other digestive issues
Rapid heart rate
Shortness of breath
Severe perspiration
Dry mouth
Shaking and trembling
Can’t fall asleep
Headaches with no apparent cause
Unexplained aches and pains
Feeling out of control

What Causes an Anxiety Attack?

Anyone can have an anxiety attack, but the likelihood is dramatically increased if you’ve been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Either way, the following stressors can serve as a trigger:

Having problems at home, work, or school
Relationship issues
An upcoming event has you feeling stressed
Fears about your health
Going through a big change in your life
Worrying about current events
Financial concerns
Unhealthy sleeping and/or eating patterns
Being too sedentary
The loss of a loved one

Potential Root Causes

A propensity for anxiety attacks can be rooted in scenarios like:

A family history of anxiety
Preexisting physical or mental illness
Substance abuse
Childhood trauma
Being a shy, introverted person

How to Calm or Prevent an Anxiety Attack

The first step involves acceptance. To manage and eventually prevent anxiety attacks, you must be ready to acknowledge the presence of a problem. Chronic anxiety requires your full attention. It may feel frightening and more than a little embarrassing to have anxiety attacks, but denial will only exacerbate the issue.

Accepting the need for help can empower you to contact a skilled professional. Running concurrent to this crucial step is an urgent need for a self-care regimen that contains elements like:

Daily exercise and physical activity
Making healthy choices when it comes to eating and drinking
Maintaining a regular sleep routine
Staying connected (preferably in person) with trusted friends and family members
Relaxation techniques breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, etc.

Finding Long-Term Relief Through Therapy

Anxiety attacks can leave a person demoralized and feeling out of control. Working with a therapist gives you an experienced, non-judgmental guide to help you identify causes, triggers, and solutions. Your weekly sessions can become a safe space in which you can open up about fears and concerns. Exploration like this is how someone with anxiety can discern new approaches that empower them to heal, recover, and thrive. Anxiety attacks can be managed and eased. Let’s connect to talk about how anxiety therapy can help you.

Anxiety Attacks: Signs, Symptoms, and Prevention