For some of us, it is difficult to cope with stress. Particularly stress from anxiety. Anxiety can occur when a person feels that something bad is going to happen. It is a feeling of worry or fear often about a particular issue, which may have physical symptoms such as muscle tension, and changes in heart rate. However, it is different from a panic attack. A panic attack needs no specific trigger, like an anxiety attack. And the symptoms of a panic attack are more severe. To understand this better, let’s take a look at what an anxiety attack is as compared to a panic attack.
Facts about anxiety
Anxiety attacks usually involve a fear of some specific occurrence or event that could happen. Like an exam coming up, workplace problems, relationship issues, or health concerns. There is a specific trigger.
Symptoms can include worry, changing heart rate, restlessness, and other physical symptoms.
It is different from a panic attack, less severe, but can occur as part of an anxiety or panic disorder.
Unlike a panic attack, it is not a diagnosable condition.
So, a panic attack is more severe, needs no trigger, and is diagnosable. These are the main differences compared to an anxiety attack. The term “anxiety attack” is not listed in the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5th Edition (DSM-V). Panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder in the DSM-V. Note that only a licensed professional can diagnose a panic disorder.
Let us look at the differences:
Symptoms
Both anxiety and panic can involve a fear, which could lead to difficulty breathing, racing heartbeat, chest pain, and irrational thoughts. But in panic attacks, these are more severe. The individual may actually feel and believe that they are going to die. Most likely, a person experiencing a panic attack will require medical attention more likely than one going through an anxiety attack.
Differences in how they begin
Anxiety is usually a response to a specific worry or fear. It tends to develop gradually, and the person is generally worried at the outset. It can be mild, moderate, or even severe. Most experiencing anxiety believe that once the problem is solved, everything will be alright.
A panic attack on the other hand, can happen without warning. Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent it. It can occur even when a person is calm or even when they are asleep. Often, there seems to be no obvious cause, no specific trigger. According to the APA, the reaction is unrelated to the situation.
Differences in duration
Anxiety attacks are often related to a specific situation…and start to build up and continue for some time. For example, some students get anxiety attacks weeks before a crucial exam. A panic attack starts suddenly, usually peaks within 10 minutes, and subsides usually after around 30 minutes, though the effects may last longer. Note that anxiety can progress to panic attacks.
A person with a panic disorder may experience anxiety of a coming panic attack. The uncertainty if or when the attack will happen can lead to anxiety. The individual’s anxiety may lead to a panic attack, and the fear of having a panic attack may influence their behavior and ability to function normally in life.
So, what symptoms of anxiety may burden the individual?
Worry and apprehension are definitely common.
Sleep problems
Irritability
Sadness
Restlessness
Impaired concentration
Feelings of pressure and being hurried
Physical symptoms like sweating, dry mouth, changes in heart rate, trembling, tightness in throat, tension in the head or neck, nausea or diarrhea, or feeling faint
However, note that not every case of anxiety will include all these symptoms. It all depends on the person, and the trigger. We are all different, and we may react uniquely to stress and anxiety. Take the upcoming exam for students for example again, some may feel anxious for weeks, others just for days. Some may exhibit the majority of the symptoms, others hardly any. And after the exam is done, no matter the result, the symptoms disappear. For anxiety that continues for a long time, it may be a sign of another disorder like the social anxiety disorder.
Probable causes of anxiety
Depending on the individual, these are the common causes to consider:
Family or relationship problems
Divorce, separation or bereavement
Pressure from work
Financial issues
Changes like moving to a new house, or a new job
Loss of mental functions, like short-term memory
Chronic health conditions
Coping with technology issues
Reduced physical function
There may be other causes of anxiety, depending on the individual or the trigger. Sometimes, the anxiety can be linked to another factor or health condition. Like phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, history of drug or alcohol abuse, genetic factors, use of some meds, excessive caffeine, changes in the brain, or a recent or past traumatic experience.
Different types of anxiety disorder
There are many different types classified as anxiety disorders. Each one features different symptoms which can be triggered by specific situations. Let’s look at som of the more common ones:
Panic disorder. Usually this involves at least 2 panic attacks, accompanied by the constant fear of future attacks. Individuals with this disorder may refuse to leave their homes, refuse to travel, and even lose their jobs. They will avoid anything they believe may trigger an attack.
Phobic disorder. This type features an irrational and incapacitating fear of an object or situation, for instance, the fear of enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), the fear of heights (acrophobia), or the fear of spiders (arachnophobia). Many with phobic disorder understand that their fear is not normal.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder. This condition is marked by unwanted repeated thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions).
Generalized anxiety disorder. This is a constant worry about a lot of events or activities in an individual’s life.
Know the complications
Several complications may arise, but let’s consider the root cause of these complications. More often than not, the response that leads to stress and anxiety is designed to help us cope in difficult situations that come about temporarily. The hormone adrenaline is involved in the fight-or-flight response. The person will either confront the danger physically, or flee from it. Normally, adrenaline levels revert back to normal once the fear disappears. But, if the anxiety continues and adrenaline levels remain high, further complications may arise. These include an anxiety disorder, and depression.
The complications may affect us physically. It can change sleep patterns, the digestive system, reproductive system, and the immune system. This could give way to colds and infections, high blood pressure, heart disease, and even diabetes. Before they become severe, consult a doctor immediately.
Tips to manage stress and anxiety
Know the signs. It would be to your advantage if you can recognize the signs that you are anxious, so you can seek help or take action. Signs like overeating, inability to sleep well, etc.
Recognize the triggers. Identify what makes you anxious and do something about it. Maybe you drink alcohol too often? Handle too many tasks? Never be ashamed to ask for help, it may get worse if not addressed right away.
Exercise. Exercise provides us with a break, and something positive to concentrate on. It boosts our wellbeing, physically and mentally.
Diet. you are what you eat, as they say. Eating healthful foods helps mental health. Try to stay away from the greasy fast food items and try fruits and veggies for a change.
Be social. It helps to spend time with family and friends. Or find a group you can relate to, like a support group or volunteer work. This may provide emotional and practical support, and help keep your mind off your problems.
Relax. There are many techniques available, like meditation, yoga, tai chi, and other strategies to reduce stress and anxiety. You may also try aromatherapy, although there is no evidence that it can reduce stress. But, whatever works for you is fine.
Try a new activity. There are even more new and different activities that can help reduce stress and anxiety. The thing is, find something to keep you busy. Like gardening, fishing, yoga, pilates, music, dance, or rock climbing. Whatever you will enjoy and keep you busy. Who knows, you may just meet others with similar problems and you can share experiences. It may make you feel better.
Set goals. Relax, sit down, set goals.This will help your mind keep busy and not worry about what bothers you. Make a plan that will benefit you.
Treatment and conclusion
Now you know the differences between an anxiety attack and a panic attack, the causes, and the complications. You are also aware of tips to address stress and anxiety. Know that there are treatments with medications, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and specific support groups. Never be ashamed to seek help, in any form. Seeking professional advice and assistance may help the problem go away, or from further escalating. Don’t be like those who ended up with suicide as the only solution. Think before you act, research, ask friends for help, and love yourself enough to get over the problem. Remember, there surely are people with greater problems. So no matter what makes you anxious or stressed, there are remedies. Take care always.
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