Although panic attacks and anxiety can be related to each other, they can also be completely separate entities with their own set of symptoms. Either of these conditions can become problematic if the symptoms escalate beyond the normal range. It is at this point, that treatment will need to be sought.

Anxiety is normal and is simply a reaction to stress. Anxiety occurs in different areas of life, such as work, school, or public speaking, and helps someone deal with the situation. But if anxiety becomes a fear of everyday situations, it has become a life-changing disorder.

Panic attacks and anxiety differ in the fact that, while anxiety usually builds to a point, panic attacks can hit at any time with no warning. A panic attack is a sudden feeling of overwhelming fear of something that cannot be named. There is rarely any obvious reason for the feelings of panic, and is much more intense than the feelings of anxiety or being overly stressed.

At some point in their lives, 1 in 75 people will suffer from a panic attack. The good news is that most of these adults will never have another panic attack. But statistics show that anxiety attacks and panic attacks are far more common than other emotional discovers like ADHD, OCD, depression, phobias, and schizophrenia. In addition to this, people suffering from panic and anxiety disorders rarely go looking for help with their problem.

Of course, there are similarities between panic attacks and anxiety attacks, and anxiety attacks can lead to panic attacks. If you experience enough anxiety about something, it can easily become serious and intense enough to work into a full blown panic attack. So if you begin to find yourself becoming overly anxious, it’s time to get help in bringing it under control before it gets too much to cope with.

Anxiety and panic attacks are unpleasant and can be devastating. But people who suffer from anxiety or panic attacks can take some comfort in knowing there is help around to lead a regular life. They simply need to ask.