Anxiety vs. Panic: What’s the Difference and When to Seek Support
When Your Body Feels Like It’s in Overdrive
If you’ve ever felt your heart race for no clear reason, or suddenly found yourself overwhelmed by fear or dread, you’re not alone. Anxiety and panic can show up in ways that feel confusing, scary, or out of your control.
Many people use the words anxiety and panic interchangeably, but they’re not quite the same. Understanding the difference can help you make sense of what your body is trying to tell you — and what kind of support might help.
What Anxiety Feels Like
Anxiety tends to be more gradual, lingering, and tied to worry. It’s that background hum in your mind and body that makes everything feel slightly harder to manage.
Common Signs of Anxiety
Overthinking or dwelling on “what ifs”
Tension in your jaw, shoulders, or stomach
Feeling restless or on edge
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble falling asleep
Worry that doesn’t seem to stop, even when nothing is “wrong”
Anxiety often builds slowly over time. You might not even notice how heavy it’s been until you finally get a moment to breathe.
What Panic Feels Like
Panic is usually sudden, intense, and overwhelming. It can feel like your body is sounding an alarm — even if there’s no danger.
Common Signs of Panic
Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness
Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t get enough air
Sweating or shaking
A wave of fear that hits “out of nowhere”
Feeling lightheaded or detached
Thinking you’re about to faint, lose control, or even die
Panic attacks can be terrifying, especially if you’ve never had one before. Many people worry they’re having a medical emergency. If this is ever a concern, it’s always okay to seek medical help to rule things out.
Why Anxiety and Panic Happen
Your brain and body are wired to protect you. When something feels stressful, uncertain, or threatening, your nervous system steps in — sometimes a little too fast or a little too intensely.
Anxiety and panic can show up when you’re navigating:
Chronic stress or burnout
Trauma or past overwhelming experiences
Grief or major life changes
Relationship challenges
Perfectionism or high self-expectations
Feeling unsafe, stuck, or unsupported
Your reaction makes sense. You’re not “dramatic” or “overreacting” — your body is trying to communicate something important.
How Counselling Can Help
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Counselling can create a supportive space to understand what’s happening, learn tools that genuinely help, and begin to feel more in control again.
Making Sense of Your Symptoms
We look at what triggers the anxiety or panic, how long it’s been showing up, and what your body is trying to protect you from.
Building Calming and Grounding Skills
Together we find strategies that help your nervous system settle — ones that actually fit your life, not a generic list you’d find on the internet.
Working Through Underlying Stressors
Sometimes anxiety and panic are signals of deeper emotional strain. We explore that gently, at your pace, without pushing you further than you’re ready to go.
Reclaiming a Sense of Safety
A big part of healing is helping your body feel safe again. Over time, panic attacks become less frequent, and anxiety becomes easier to manage.
When You Might Want to Seek Support
You might consider reaching out if:
Worry is taking up too much space in your day
You’ve had one or more panic attacks
You avoid situations because of fear or anxiety
Your body often feels tense or overstimulated
You can’t seem to “shut off” your thoughts
You’re tired of handling this alone
Support can help you feel steadier, calmer, and more in control.
Anxiety and panic can feel overwhelming, but they’re also incredibly human responses to stress, fear, or past experiences. With the right support, you can understand what’s happening, feel less afraid of your own reactions, and find ways to feel grounded again.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here.