Is this panic or anxiety?

 

What is Generalized Anxiety?

A significant indicator that you are struggling with anxiety is finding yourself constantly worrying and having difficulty controlling your worry.

Common worries include health, family, relationships, finances and work.

You may worry about actual events or worst case scenarios; more than is warranted.

When your worrying lasts for more days then not, for a period of at least 6 months, you may be experiencing generalized anxiety disorder.

Common symptoms:

  • tension in the body

  • headaches

  • upset stomach

  • fatigue

  • trouble focusing

  • being easily startled

  • trouble relaxing

  • trouble falling asleep.

What is a panic attack?

Panic attacks are sudden spikes of overwhelming fear or anxiety and feel much more intense than generalized, day-to-day anxiety.

When a panic attack comes on, people believe they are experiencing a heart attack, they feel like they cannot breathe, or they are losing control or dying.

Panic attacks are usually brief but intense. Symptoms typically peak within 10 minutes and end within 30 minutes. However, some symptoms can linger for longer.

Common symptoms:

  • pounding/racing heart

  • shaking/trembling

  • feeling detached from reality or your body

  • chest pain

  • dizziness, fear of dying or losing control

What is Panic Disorder?

Panic disorder develops when a person experiences ongoing worry or fear about when their next panic attack may be. 

Some people will also experience agoraphobia which means they are actively avoiding places, events or situations that might cause a panic attack due to fear of embarrassment, fear of being out of control or that it will be difficult to flee if a panic attack arises.

Panic disorder and symptoms of agoraphobia can be extremely debilitating and can get in the way of living your life. 

What Treatment is Available?

For the treatment of panic attacks and panic disorder, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy & Exposure Therapy are the first line treatment of choice. CBT of Central and South Florida offers in-person and virtual CBT for anxiety & panic disorder. Learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy or request a consultation to start feeling better today.