Anxiety attacks feel like mini panic attacks

I'm finding that it's hard to tell the difference between my anxiety attacks and panic attacks. It can come out of nowhere, as we all know, but the feeling just starts to snowball into a panicky feeling, not quite as full blown as the classic panic attack so many of us are familiar with, including the shortness of breath, etc., but the feeling that you just can't control your thoughts and you're just going to go crazy. It's just as scary as a real panic attack because you feel like you have no control over it and will just end up losing it completely. I had one this morning out of nowhere and as soon as it started, it began getting worse on it's own it seems. I got up and started moving around, doing some breathing exercises and walking outside to get some fresh air with the dogs so it's a bit better now but I'm still left with that underlying shakey feeling. Anyone experience anything like this?

Andwes,

I am sorry to hear about your anxiety this morning.;( It is no way to start out the day is it?

You did a GREAT job of nipping it in the bud however!

Keep up the good work, and use your coping skills regularly...even when you are not feeling particularly anxious, as preventative medicine.:)

Journaling your thoughts/feelings or using the therapy worksheets to defuse some of the more persistant and troublesome thinking patterns might help. See our Resources for help with both of these skills.

With encouragement and support,

S.C.