When your heart is racing, your chest is tight, and your thoughts are spiraling, it’s easy to wonder: Am I having a panic attack—or just really anxious? The terms “panic attack” and “anxiety attack” are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to different experiences.
Understanding the difference can help you feel more empowered, less afraid, and better equipped to get the right support. At ThinkSpot Therapy in Carrollton, TX, we work with teens and adults who experience both—and offer therapy that helps you feel more in control of your mind and body.
What Is an Anxiety Attack?
While not an official clinical term, “anxiety attack” is commonly used to describe a period of intensified anxiety in response to stress, worry, or fear. It typically builds gradually and may last minutes to hours.
Common signs of an anxiety attack:
Racing thoughts or excessive worry
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Muscle tension and restlessness
Rapid heartbeat or upset stomach
Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
Anxiety attacks are often linked to ongoing stressors—work pressure, relationship issues, health concerns, or social situations. They may not feel as intense as panic attacks, but they can still disrupt daily life and leave you feeling emotionally exhausted.
What Is a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks are more sudden and often feel overwhelming—both mentally and physically. They usually peak within 10 minutes and can happen unexpectedly, even without a clear trigger.
Symptoms of a panic attack may include:
Intense fear or sense of doom
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Heart palpitations or dizziness
Numbness, tingling, or chills
Feeling detached from reality (derealization or depersonalization)
Fear of dying or “going crazy”
Many people mistake panic attacks for medical emergencies, especially the first time they happen. Even though they aren’t life-threatening, they can feel terrifying—and lead to avoidance of places or activities for fear of another attack.
Key Differences Between Panic and Anxiety Attacks
Onset
Anxiety Attack: Gradual
Panic Attack: Sudden and intense
Duration
Anxiety Attack: Can last hours
Panic Attack: Usually peaks within 10 minutes
Triggers
Anxiety Attack: Often related to specific stressors
Panic Attack: May occur unexpectedly
Symptoms
Anxiety Attack: Emotional and physical (milder)
Panic Attack: Strong physical symptoms
Fear of Consequences
Anxiety Attack: Often about long-term worries
Panic Attack: Fear of death, loss of control, or insanity
👉 Why this works:
Uses simple bold headings, which Squarespace handles well.
Works perfectly on mobile without columns getting squished.
Very scannable for readers.
It’s also possible to experience both, especially if you live with generalized anxiety, panic disorder, or unresolved trauma. A licensed therapist can help you understand what’s happening in your nervous system—and how to calm it.
How Therapy Can Help With Both
Whether you’re experiencing anxiety attacks, panic attacks, or both, therapy provides tools to manage symptoms and heal the underlying causes. At ThinkSpot Therapy, our approach is:
Compassionate: No judgment, just support and understanding
Evidence-based: We use therapies like CBT, mindfulness, and somatic techniques
Personalized: Your treatment is tailored to your experience and goals
Educational: We help you understand what’s happening in your body and mind
You’ll learn how to:
Recognize early signs of an attack
Regulate your breathing and body responses
Challenge catastrophic thinking
Rebuild a sense of safety and control
Reduce fear and avoidance over time
Online and In-Person Therapy for Anxiety and Panic in Texas
We know that when you’re struggling with panic or anxiety, convenience and consistency matter. That’s why we offer in-person therapy in Carrollton, TX and online therapy throughout Texas.
Whether you feel more comfortable in your home or want the structure of a therapy office, we’ll work with you to find the right fit.
You’re Not Overreacting—You’re Overwhelmed
Panic and anxiety attacks can feel scary and confusing, but they don’t mean you’re broken. They’re your nervous system’s way of saying, something feels unsafe. Therapy can help you listen to those signals—not with fear, but with curiosity, care, and support.
At ThinkSpot Therapy, we’re here to help you feel safer in your mind and body. Visit our anxiety therapy services page to learn more.
Ready to take the next step? Contact us here. You don’t have to live in fear of your next attack—healing is possible.