Difference between ‘Panic Attack’ and ‘Anxiety Attack’

“I Felt Breathless and Scared — Was It a Panic Attack or an Anxiety Attack?”

It starts with a thud in your chest.

Your breath feels shorter.

Your mind is screaming — What’s happening to me?

If you’ve been here before, you might have wondered: Was that a panic attack? Or an anxiety attack?

They can feel eerily similar, but they’re not quite the same. And knowing the difference can help you understand yourself a little better.

Panic Attacks — The Sudden Storm

Think of panic attacks as emotional lightning storms. They arrive suddenly, without knocking, and in minutes your body is on high alert.

One moment, you might be scrolling on your phone. The next, your heart is racing, your chest feels tight, you’re shaking, sweating, and maybe even feeling like you’re not in your own body. Sometimes there’s no clear reason — no stressful conversation, no scary news — just an overwhelming wave of fear that peaks quickly and then slowly fades.

They’re intense, short-lived, and can happen to anyone — with or without panic disorder.

Anxiety Attacks — The Rising Tide

Anxiety attacks (not an official medical term, but widely understood) are more like a tide creeping in. You usually see them coming — stress, overthinking, or a known trigger stirs up your nerves.

It’s less of a “bang” and more of a “build-up.” You might notice restlessness, muscle tension, irritability, and racing thoughts that won’t switch off. Sleep feels impossible. And while it may not feel as explosive as panic, it lingers — sometimes for hours or even days.

The Key Difference in Simple Words

• Panic attack: Sudden, intense, short-lived fear — even when nothing obvious is wrong.
• Anxiety attack: Gradual, stress-linked build-up — less intense at its peak but can drag on much longer.

Both Are Real. Both Deserve Compassion.

It’s not about which one is “worse.” Both can feel exhausting, overwhelming, and even terrifying in the moment. And both respond well to help — whether that’s therapy, grounding techniques, gentle movement, breathing exercises, or simply talking to someone who gets it.

If your body could speak, panic attacks would shout: Danger — now!

Anxiety attacks would whisper: Something might go wrong — stay alert.

Neither voice defines you. With support, you can turn down the volume on both.