If you’ve ever felt your heart race, your chest tighten, or your mind spiral out of control, you might have wondered, was that a panic attack or an anxiety attack?
The two are closely related, but they’re not quite the same thing. Understanding the difference can help you know what’s happening in your body — and what kind of help can make the biggest difference.

⚡ Panic Attacks: Sudden, Intense, and Overwhelming

A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that often seems to come out of nowhere.
It can feel terrifying, as though you’re losing control, fainting, or even having a heart attack.

Common symptoms include:

• A pounding or racing heartbeat
  
  

• Shortness of breath or a choking feeling
  
  

• Chest pain or tightness
  
  

• Sweating or trembling
  
  

• Dizziness or nausea
  
  

• Numbness or tingling in your hands or face
  
  

• Feeling detached or unreal
  
  

• Fear of dying or going crazy
  
  

Panic attacks usually peak within minutes and often fade after 10 to 20 minutes, leaving you drained and anxious about when the next one might hit.
They can happen in people who seem otherwise calm, even in sleep, and are a core feature of Panic Disorder, though they can appear alongside anxiety, PTSD, or high stress.

🌫 Anxiety Attacks: Gradual, Persistent, and Stress-Driven

An anxiety attack builds up gradually in response to ongoing stress or worry.
Unlike a panic attack, which strikes suddenly, an anxiety attack feels like your system is constantly “on alert.”

Common symptoms include:

• Restlessness or tension
  
  

• Racing thoughts and overthinking
  
  

• Muscle tightness and stomach discomfort
  
  

• Trouble concentrating
  
  

• Irritability or fatigue
  
  

• Difficulty sleeping
  
  

Anxiety attacks can last for hours or even days and are more common in conditions such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

💬 The Good News: Both Are Treatable

Whether you experience sudden panic attacks or ongoing anxiety, help is available.
Using modern hypnotherapy and NLP mind-based techniques, you can retrain your brain’s stress response, so your body learns to stay calm even in situations that used to trigger fear.

At Newcastle Hypnotherapy, we help clients reduce anxiety and panic in just a few weeks, often achieving results far quicker than traditional talking therapies.
You’ll learn practical tools to regain confidence, calm, and control, so you can get back to living, not coping.

💡 Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your Journey to Calm Starts Here The team at Escape Anxiety Now has created these resources with you in mind.

For Immediate Support: 🌿 The Free Anxiety Relief Pack A gentle collection of tools designed to bring you peace in moments of overwhelm. Get Instant Access Here

For Personalised Guidance: 💬 Book a Free Anxiety Assessment Call Let's talk. If you're considering 1-on-1 or group coaching, this call is the perfect first step to see how we can help. Find a Time That Suits You Learn More Here.