We all experience anxiety from time to time, but understanding what an anxiety attack is and how the fear of one can impact someone’s life is crucial. Anxiety attacks, also known as panic attacks, are sudden episodes of intense fear or worry that can strike without warning. They can be triggered by a specific situation or come on unexpectedly.
Woodland Recovery Center provides support for individuals experiencing anxiety and signs of anxiety attacks. We want to help you understand the signs of an anxiety attack and how to manage them—call us today at 662.222.2989 to learn more about our anxiety treatment.
What Do Anxiety Attacks Feel Like?
If you’re asking, “What does an anxiety attack feel like?” it may mean you are trying to understand the experience of someone you care about or make sense of your symptoms.
An anxiety attack encompasses a blend of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms, which can vary from person to person and even from one episode to the next. To grasp the impact of an anxiety attack, it’s crucial to differentiate it from a panic attack.
Panic attacks are the main symptom of panic disorder, which is acknowledged in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This classification explains why so many people think that anxiety attacks and panic attacks are the same. However, “anxiety attack” is not a formal clinical term.
While some symptoms are similar, anxiety attacks build slowly over hours or days, whereas panic attacks are sudden and intense. Panic attack symptoms disappear as quickly as they arise, while anxiety attack symptoms linger and ease slowly. Anxiety attacks are usually linked to identifiable triggers, while panic attacks often occur unexpectedly.
Signs of an Anxiety Attack
The signs of an anxiety attack vary. A person may experience many of the symptoms one time and then experience only one or two during their next episode. The intensity may also vary. Anxiety attack symptoms may include:
- Feelings of dread and apprehension
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Muscle tension
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
- Rapid heart rate
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Trouble concentrating
- Incessant worry
- Tightness in the chest and throat
- Lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Hot and cold sensations
- Dizziness
- Weakness or tingling in the extremities
- Feeling the desire to flee
- Feeling disconnected as if you’re watching yourself
- Intense need to defecate or urinate
Some people also feel overly emotional when anxiety levels are building toward an “attack.” They may cry easily, have angry outbursts, or have unexplained mood swings.
Causes of Anxiety Attacks
There are many potential causes for anxiety attacks, including several medical causes. If you are experiencing anxiety attacks, it’s important to have a thorough medical examination to rule out a serious health issue.
Anxiety attacks may be caused by severe stress. People who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders are at a higher risk of experiencing anxiety attacks. Being exposed to certain environments or situations may also trigger an attack. For example, individuals with social phobia may have an anxiety attack when they are forced to participate in social situations. Genetics, brain chemistry, and traumatic life events may also contribute to the development of anxiety attacks.
How to Manage Anxiety Attacks
Managing anxiety attacks involves a combination of immediate strategies and long-term lifestyle changes that can help reduce their frequency and intensity. During an anxiety attack, focus on calming your body and mind with practical steps like controlled breathing or grounding exercises.
Some ways to manage anxiety attacks include:
- Deep breathing – Take slow, deep breaths, counting to five as you inhale and exhale to help calm your nervous system.
- Mindfulness – Pay attention to your surroundings, focusing on what you can see, hear, and touch to bring your mind to the present.
- Relaxation techniques – Practice yoga or meditation regularly to help manage stress levels.
- Exercise – Engage in physical activities like walking, jogging, or dancing, which can help release tension and improve mood.
- Adequate rest – Get enough sleep each night to help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
- Professional support – Seek therapy or counseling to address the root causes of your anxiety and develop coping strategies.
Remember, experiencing anxiety attacks doesn’t define you, and reaching out for support from a mental health professional can make a big difference.
Are There Treatments for Anxiety Attacks?
Anxiety is a treatable condition. A combination of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes, can effectively minimize the number and intensity of anxiety attacks. At Woodland Recovery Center, we offer a range of anxiety treatment options tailored to individual needs.
Our compassionate and professional team is dedicated to helping people manage their anxiety and live happier, healthier lives. We also provide support for co-occurring conditions that may be contributing to anxiety attacks.
Call Woodland Recovery Center for Help with Managing Anxiety Attacks and Anxiety
People with addiction disorders may also experience anxiety and anxiety attacks. Our comprehensive addiction treatment programs can help patients minimize anxiety symptoms and improve their mental health on every level. Call Woodland Recovery Center today at 662.222.2989 or fill out our online contact form for more information about anxiety treatment.
