Do you know the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack?
Anxiety attacks are often mild-moderate intensity, can last a short or long amount of time, and are often gradual in the onset. These attacks are associated with restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, being irritable, having muscle tension, continuous worrying, and difficulty sleeping.
Panic attacks however, are severe, last a short time, and are sudden. Often they appear without any trigger, though they can also be activated by a trigger as well). Panic attacks have symptoms that mirror a heart attack: chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, lightheadedness but also a sense of impending doom, fear of losing control, feeling of detachment from reality.
Both of these types of attacks can have an immense impact the way we want to live our lives. The good news is that both can be treated with psychotherapy interventions and through learning various coping mechanisms. In future posts, I am going to share with you some of my go-to coping strategies.
Important note: It is highly advised that if you experience any symptoms associated with panic attacks you should seek medical attention as well.
Normand Dæmon MSW Registered Social Worker, Psychotherapist
Normand Dæmon
I’m a proud queer person who grew up in Etobicoke and returned to the area as a seasoned clinician with over a decade of experience in the mental health field. I opened the Kingsway location of For Health’s Sake with my Mum as the first franchise site, because I wanted…
Clinic Owner (Kingsway) / Care Coordinator (Kingsway) / RSW MSW, Psychotherapist - Kingsway