Anxiety and Panic
It's normal to feel anxious during stressful times. But when worry becomes overwhelming, persistent, or hard to control, it may be more than everyday stress.
Panic attacks are sudden, intense waves of fear or discomfort that can feel frightening in the moment. They are treatable, and support is available.
It can feel like
What is the difference between everyday worry and anxiety?
Everyday worry usually fits the situation and fades once it passes. An exam, a job interview, or a health scare can bring it on, and it eases afterward.
Anxiety may be more than everyday worry when it is out of proportion to what is happening, shows up most days, or lasts for months. It can also start to shape choices, like skipping school, work, or plans with friends to avoid feeling anxious.
Anxiety affects children, teens, and adults. In younger children it can look like stomachaches, clinginess, or trouble separating from a parent.
Racing thoughts or constant worry
Feeling restless, on edge, or tense
Trouble concentrating or sleeping
Heart palpitations, sweating, or shortness of breath
Fear of losing control or something bad happening
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Common types of anxiety
Generalized Anxiety (GAD)
Ongoing worry about many everyday things, like work, school, health, or family, that is hard to control. It often comes with tension, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.
Panic Attacks
Sudden waves of intense fear that build within minutes. A racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness can make it feel like something is seriously wrong. Some people start to avoid places where an attack happened.
Social Anxiety
Strong fear of being judged, embarrassed, or watched by others. It can make speaking up in class, meeting new people, or eating in public feel very hard.