Anxiety is an everyday occurrence for most people. People may feel anxious in social situations or in the face of uncertainty. In most cases, people can manage their anxiety and move forward without a lot of disruption to their daily lives.
However, some people struggle with overwhelming anxiety. People with anxiety disorders may have intense or chronic anxiety that impairs functioning and quality of life. People with these conditions can seek treatment to manage their anxiety symptoms. However, it can be challenging to recognize when anxiety has become a problem and needs treatment.
You may have heard the terms “anxiety attack” or “panic attack.” This article will explore what an anxiety attack is and how it may be different from a panic attack. You will learn:
- Five signs of an anxiety attack
- The difference between anxiety and panic attacks
- How to recognize anxiety that requires treatment
- What to expect from anxiety treatment
- Where to find comprehensive mental health treatment and support
If you or someone you love struggles with anxiety or panic disorder, you are not alone. Contact the intake specialists at Agape Behavioral Health to learn about our treatment programs or to schedule an appointment.
What is an Anxiety Attack?
The term “anxiety attack” is not a formal diagnosis. However, people may use this term to describe situations where they feel symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety can have physical and emotional symptoms, including:
- Muscle tension
- Faster breathing and heart rate
- Worrying
- Feeling distressed
- Fear
Most people feel some anxiety from time to time. However, some people live with overwhelming anxiety. People with intense or chronic anxiety may have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety disorders are mental health conditions that cause excessive or intense anxiety. There are several common anxiety disorders, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Panic disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Phobias
People may have anxiety related to specific events or situations. Some people may have chronic, ongoing anxiety. There are effective treatments available for all types of anxiety. Receiving an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward getting help.
5 Signs of an Anxiety Attack
People may use the term “anxiety attack” to describe the symptoms of anxiety. Here are five potential symptoms of an anxiety attack.
1. Shortness of breath
Anxiety can cause your body to produce chemicals that increase your breathing. It may feel hard to catch your breath or like you have done a challenging exercise. You may feel tightness in the throat or have a “choking” sensation.
2. Chest pain
You may experience tightness in the upper body or chest pain. People may worry that they are having a heart attack or other serious medical condition because of these similar symptoms.
3. Racing heart
Anxiety can cause your body to go into “fight or flight” mode. Your heart may race, or you may feel as though it is pounding hard.
4. Intense fear
Anxiety can make you feel intensely afraid. You may have heightened senses or feel “on guard,” even if you are in a safe place.
5. Worry
Anxiety can cause you to worry about the future. You may find yourself struggling with racing thoughts or thinking about all the potential outcomes of a situation.
An anxiety attack can be distressing. People may avoid situations, like parties or public speaking, to limit their anxiety symptoms.
If anxiety causes you to change how you live your life, you may benefit from mental health treatment. Comprehensive treatment can help you manage the emotional and physical symptoms of anxiety, allowing you to function and feel better.
Agape Behavioral Center accepts many private insurance plans
Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack: What is the Difference?
Some people use the terms “anxiety attack” and “panic attack” to mean the same thing. But are they the same?
The short answer is no. The term “anxiety attack” is not a clinical term. People may use this term to describe the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety.
“Panic attack” is a clinical term. People with panic disorder experience frightening events called panic attacks. Symptoms of a panic attack include:
- Racing or pounding heart
- Dizziness
- Tingling in the arms, hands, or face
- Weakness
- Nausea
- A feeling of being strangled
- Excessive sweating
- Chest pain
- Trembling
- A fear of “going crazy”
- Intense dread
- Believing you are dying
People who experience panic attacks may avoid situations they think may cause a panic attack. They may struggle with constant worry about when the next panic attack will occur.
Panic attacks may happen without a clear cause or related to known triggers. Panic attacks are a symptom of panic disorder, which is a recognized mental health condition.
What to Expect in Anxiety Treatment
Comprehensive treatment can help people learn about their anxiety disorders and manage their symptoms. Here is an overview of what to expect in anxiety disorder treatment.
Talk therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other talk therapies can help people explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors differently. People examine the roots of their anxiety symptoms, including traumatic events, and develop new coping skills to manage them.
Medications
Some people take anti-anxiety medications to reduce their anxiety symptoms. These include:
- Benzodiazepines
- Beta-blockers
- Antidepressants
People must work with a medical professional to find the medications that work best for them.
Holistic therapies
People may use holistic therapies to soothe their minds and bodies. Holistic therapies include:
- Relaxation techniques
- Mindfulness
- Yoga
- Tai chi
- Journaling
- Music and art therapy
These and other therapies provide an outlet for stress and can help people process their emotions in new ways.
Lifestyle changes
Eating a healthy diet, exercising, sleeping well, and staying socially active may help people manage anxiety symptoms.
Contact the Agape Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about comprehensive anxiety treatment or to find the level of care that is best for your needs.
Find Mental Health Treatment Now
If you or a loved one requires mental health treatment or support, you are not alone. Find the compassionate, effective treatment you deserve at Agape Behavioral Health. Contact our specialists to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
