Anxiety attack and panic attack
2-minute read
‘Anxiety attack’ is not a recognised medical term, and it can mean different things to different people. Saying ‘I had an anxiety attack’ can mean ‘I felt anxious’, or it can mean ‘I had a panic attack’, or it can mean something else.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a feeling that almost everybody gets at some time or another. It involves feeling worried about something that might happen, or is going to happen, as well as feelings of nervousness or tension.
Anxiety is part of life. But there are some people who feel anxious so often that it interferes with their life. If that’s the case, they might have an anxiety-related disorder.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack is an overwhelming feeling of fear and tension. People having a panic attack can feel like they’re choking or having a heart attack, with:
- sweating and shaking
- a racing heart
- shortness of breath
- nausea and butterflies or pains in the stomach
- feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint
- feeling tingly or numb
Panic attacks come on fairly suddenly and lasts anywhere between a few minutes to half an hour.
Panic attacks can often be caused by stress. But they can also be associated with a family history of panic attacks, drug and alcohol use, and certain medical conditions.
Learn more about panic attacks.
What is panic disorder?
Panic disorder is something different again. People with panic disorder have repeated panic attacks, so many that it interferes with their life.
Treatment of anxiety and panic
There is plenty that can be done for people who have problems with anxiety and panic.
Treatment can include:
- exercise
- relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation
- cutting back on alcohol, cigarettes and drugs
- distracting yourself with mental activities, like counting
- slow breathing, which can be supported by using mobile apps such as Breathe
- positive self-talk
- psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- medicine
Getting professional support is always a good idea. It’s important to find the right health professional for you. And there are plenty of online self-help programs, support and ways to get therapy, too.
Where to get help
Overcoming anxiety and dealing with panic attacks is easier if you seek help. Talk to your doctor, (search for a doctor in your region), or see below for online programs and tools that can help.
- ReachOut.com's ReachOut Worry Time App can help to control everyday worries and anxieties.
- Black Dog Institutes' myCompass provides a personalised a self-help program.
- MindSpot's Mood Mechanic Course and Indigenous Wellbeing Course.
- This Way Up's online courses for panic and generalized anxiety disorder.
Last reviewed: April 2018
