Feeling anxious or panicked is something that all of us have experienced before. It’s common to have these emotions when we’re stepping outside our comfort zone or making a life change.
But some of us experience these things a little bit differently than others; anxiety and panic attacks are two conditions associated with mental health. Dealing with these on a regular basis isn’t something that you deserve, not to mention that these occurrences can be an indication of other, more serious health conditions.
To learn more about this, schedule a consultation with our therapist in Calgary today. Here at Pinnacle Psych, we look forward to meeting you and assisting you with all your needs.
Anxiety vs Panic Attacks
A lot of people use the terms ’anxiety attacks’ and ‘panic attacks’ interchangeably; though they give rise to similar symptoms, these conditions are not identical. To help you understand each of these things better, we’ve described them in detail below:
Anxiety Attacks
Anxiety is one of the most common mental disorders. It is also a very common symptom that manifests when an individual has depression, PTSD, OCD, or they’re dealing with certain phobias. When a person is feeling stressed about an upcoming event or situation, they’ll display physical indications of worry, such as sweating or chills and an increased heart rate amongst others.
One of the defining characteristics of an anxiety attack is that is a gradual phenomenon.
Panic Attacks
In comparison, a panic attack is sudden and only lasts for a brief time. Rather than just worry, individuals feel incredibly overwhelmed and fearful. Anyone can have a panic attack but if they continue to take place, it may be a sign that you have a more serious disorder and should visit a doctor.
Symptoms
Because the symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks often overlap, people can mistake one event for the other. It is possible for an individual to have an anxiety and panic attack simultaneously.
Symptoms of anxiety and panic can be both physical and emotional. They include, but are not limited to the following:
- Trembling.
- Feeling faint/dizzy or having headaches.
- Numbness.
- An upset stomach or nausea.
- Dry mouth or feeling a tightness in your throat.
- Rapid breathing.
- Chest pain.
- Excessive sweating or hot flashes.
- Chills.
- Worry/distress.
- A fear of losing control or like you’re dying.
Regarding anxiety attacks, one can experience mild, moderate, or severe symptoms; panic attacks are known to cause only severe symptoms due to your fight-or-flight response kicking in.
You may want to consider therapy in Calgary or attending an appointment with your doctor if you’re continually experiencing the aforementioned symptoms. They’ll work with you to understand your emotions and be able to suggest the best course of action for you to get you back to living a healthy life.
Causes of Anxiety and/or Panic Attacks
Depending on the situation, sometimes we can predict what may trigger feelings of anxiety or panic and in other cases, we can’t. Triggers can also be internal or external factors, such as:
- Substance withdrawal.
- Chronic illnesses, both physical and mental. Diabetes, asthma, and depression are just a few examples.
- A demanding job.
- Memories or reminders of traumatic events.
- Certain medications.
Come into Pinnacle Psych
No one deserves to have to live with anxiety or panic; that’s why, if you are struggling in this way, we encourage you to come into our local practice and speak with a mental health professional. Our therapists are here to help you navigate these difficult waters and emerge safely on the other side.
You can contact us via email, phone, or by dropping by our location. We anticipate your visit!
