Anxiety Attacks vs Panic Attacks: What’s the Difference?
Most people use the terms anxiety attack and panic attack interchangeably. I used to as well-until I realized that understanding the difference wasn’t just about vocabulary. It was about naming what was happening in my body and brain, and knowing how to respond.
Here’s the truth: both are terrible. But they’re not the same.
What is an Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety attacks aren’t a clinical diagnosis, but they’re very real. Think of them like slow-burning emotional tsunamis. You feel the tension rising-maybe for hours, maybe for days. You start overthinking everything, your stomach tightens, your sleep is off, your heart feels heavy, and you can’t stop spiraling.
They often show up in response to stress or a trigger – something that’s been bothering you for a while. You might still be able to function, but everything feels off. You’re exhausted, restless, irritable. You cry more easily. You cancel plans.
I’ve had anxiety attacks over briefing at work. I also experience them in anticipation of big weather events like tornadoes. My body goes into overdrive before anything had even happened.
It’s like your body is whispering, “We’re not okay.”
What is a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are like a lightning strike. No warning. Out of nowhere, your heart races, you can’t breathe, you feel like you might be dying or going crazy. Some people end up in the ER because it mimics a heart attack.
It’s physical. It’s intense. It peaks within 10-15 minutes, though it feels much longer.
I’ve had panic attacks in the car, at work, and even in the middle of a casino in Vegas. The one at work was so bad I was taken to the ER. I feared I would suffer my grandma’s fate. I thought I might have a heart attack in my 30’s, but thankfully it was “just a panic attack”.
Many people with C-PTSD experience both anxiety and panic attacks.
