Everyday activities or important occasions like a job interview or a date can make you feel anxious.
However, in certain situations, you may find your level of anxiety growing far beyond what is normal, reaching a peak where you may experience physical symptoms like shortness of breath or chest pain. When that happens, what you’re experiencing may not just be anxiety, but rather a panic attack. Knowing the difference between these two responses can be key to helping you identify what you are experiencing and manage the factors that trigger them.
Certain symptoms associated with anxiety are to be expected occasionally. These include:
- Nervousness and trembling
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Fatigue and weakness
Panic attack symptoms, on the other hand, are generally more severe. They may include:
- Heart palpitations
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
Anyone can have a panic attack, but they’re more common for women and people in their teen and early adult years. Additionally, if you or family members have a history of anxiety disorders or other mental health issues, you’re at a higher risk of suffering from them. Substance abuse also increases this risk.
Are you consistently experiencing panic attacks and struggling to manage them? Schedule an appointment with at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Psychiatric Department, where we provide outpatient and inpatient services offering a variety of therapeutic treatments.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.