Heal Your Emotions

Anxiety symptoms vary from person to person and can exist at different levels. In some cases, anxiety is associated with physical illnesses, while in others, it is part of a mental health condition. People often use the terms nervousness and anxiety interchangeably. While mild anxiety and nervousness can feel similar, anxiety is a broader topic.
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How does someone feel during the experience of an anxiety or panic attack? Let’s take a closer look at the sensations and emotions happening in those intense moments.

Nervousness Vs. Anxiety
Nervousness typically lasts for a few seconds or minutes and is relatively easier to overcome compared to anxiety. It is a common and natural human reaction, especially when trying something for the first time. While nervousness can feel similar to anxiety at times, it is generally not as intense or deep as an anxious feeling.

For e.g. [1]: A student may feel nervous before giving a presentation on stage. While waiting for their turn, the student experiences nervousness holding the fear of how they will perform in front of everyone. Doubts about the outcome of the presentation may arise, and physical symptoms like slightly sweaty hands and more can be experienced. The student might even express their feelings to friends by saying, “I’m feeling nervous; I don’t know how I’ll do it!”

However, when their turn comes, the student usually manages to give the presentation well and soon forgets the nervous moment, moving on with the rest of the day’s activities. In some cases, a slightly higher level of nervousness may cause minor mistakes during the presentation, often due to tension and self-doubt. Yet, even these students typically move forward with the day’s activities without being weighed down by the experience. Over time, with more practice and experience, those who initially make mistakes often improve their performance.

For e.g. [2]: When a group of people visits an adventure destination, most of them are excited to try adventure sports for the first time. While many are eager to enjoy the experience, a few may feel nervous as they are stepping into something new. However, once they begin the adventure, their nervousness often fades away that is replaced by feelings of happiness and excitement.

Through these examples, it becomes clear that nervousness is a natural emotion that usually resolves on its own without requiring any major effort.

How does anxiety feel in these same two situations?
In the first example, a student struggling with anxiety may not have the courage to give the presentation on stage, despite having prepared thoroughly. Even though the student has practiced many times at home without making mistakes and has scored well in exams, anxiety can overpower their abilities. Physical symptoms such as sweaty hands, a cold body, and a racing heartbeat may appear. This student might say to friends, “I’m feeling nervous; I don’t know how I’ll do it. I can’t do it.” Even if friends try to boost their confidence, nothing seems to help.         When it’s time to present, the student hesitates to step onto the stage. During the presentation, they may feel weak, experience slight visual darkness, and struggle to focus. Mistakes can happen despite their preparation. Unlike nervousness, the effects of anxiety linger for longer time. This student may continue to feel unsettled for the rest of the day or even the entire week. When another presentation day approaches, the same feelings resurface, often intensified by the memory of previous mistakes. This can gradually lead to a deeper fear of public speaking and lower self-esteem.

It’s important to note that anxiety symptoms vary from person to person, depending on the severity and stage of their anxiety.

In the second example, if a person experiences anxiety before trying an adventure activity, they may struggle to go through with it. Their heartbeat may become rapid and irregular, and they might even develop stomach pain or nausea. Even if they manage to push through and complete the activity once, the fear may not disappear. They might still hesitate or avoid trying it again, holding onto the anxious memory of the first experience. In some cases, they may give it up altogether.

As with the earlier example, the symptoms and intensity of anxiety can vary widely from person to person, depending on the level and type of anxiety they are dealing with.

Anxiety Levels
The early stages of anxiety, which often resemble nervousness, can usually be managed through lifestyle changes and simple mental support techniques. However, more intense levels of anxiety are often triggered by social events, phobias, driving, professional challenges, or any new experiences in life. This deeper form of anxiety involves a strong fear of doing something or even while going somewhere, making everyday situations feel overwhelming or threatening.
At social events, a person with anxiety may feel uncomfortable interacting with others, often driven by a fear of being judged. Thoughts like, “What if I don’t eat well or interact properly?” or “What if I fail to dance, sing, or participate in group activities?” constantly revolves around their mind. This creates a sense of self-doubt and anxiety.
As the event progresses, physical symptoms may begin to emerge. The person’s hands may become sweaty, and their body can feel weak or light. Vision may blur, and headaches or stomach pains can arise. They might struggle to finish their food, feeling burdened by the task. It’s as if a wave of electricity flows slowly through their body making them feel more uneasy.

An intense urge to leave the place may also develop, often accompanied by a desire to retreat to a safe and familiar space, usually home. In many instances, nausea sets in, making it even harder to be around others. The dizziness and stomach cramps can sometimes lead to acidity. Overall, such person can feel as the energy is draining faster, in severe cases making it challenging to walk, stand, or even sit comfortably.

Some people experience similar symptoms of anxiety while driving. Even though an individual may have good driving skills, anxiety can overshadow their confidence, causing self-doubt. The fear of driving in traffic can become overwhelming, and over time, this anxiety may lead them to avoid driving altogether. The person may feel a sense of shivering or nervousness before starting the vehicle. As they begin to drive, their heart races, and any sudden noise, such as a horn or disturbance on the road or someone sitting with them constantly finding mistakes in their driving or purposely, making them feel as not good at driving, overall can trigger symptoms that will feel as lot to handle for simple task.

How Anxiety transforms into Panic attacks?
When a person experiences anxiety frequently, it can eventually evolve into panic attacks. Anxiety is usually triggered by identifiable reasons, and the person may be aware of their anxiety but struggles to overcome it. In the early stages, simple lifestyle changes and tips can help manage anxiety, but as it worsens, medical intervention may become necessary for some.

If left untreated, anxiety can lead to panic attacks. These attacks often occur during periods of deep anxious feeling, but they are also unpredictable. A person can experience a panic attack without any apparent cause, sometimes even while asleep. People may wake up in the middle of the night with no clear trigger, though the root cause could be a prolonged history of anxiety. In some cases, panic attacks arise due to physical stress on the body. Even individuals who are mentally resilient over time can develop panic attacks, as there is a limit to how much stress the mind can endure before it becomes unbearable.

How does a panic attack feel like?

While anxiety may respond to various tips and techniques, panic attacks are more difficult to manage in the same way. The effort required to calm the symptoms of a panic attack is bit challenging as it depends upon the surrounding people and things that have the triggering effects. For many people, panic attacks feel the same every time they occur. Each time, the individual reacts as though it’s happening for the first time, even though they know it’s not and it’s just a temporary moment. Unfortunately, the number of the symptoms at a time can affect the person’s mind, making it difficult to regain control and calm down quickly.
During a panic attack, individuals often struggle to breathe. This can occur during severe anxiety or even while asleep. As their breathing becomes rapid, they may worry misunderstanding it as a heart attack. The sensation of gasping for air and the discomfort in their body can make them feel as if they’re struggling to survive the last moment of life. Nausea may set in, and they could experience frequent bowel movements. Sweating, chills, and trembling often accompany the attack. The person may feel trapped, desperately wanting to escape the suffocating sensation but is unable to do so. It’s not paralysis, but the feeling of being stuck is unexplainable. They may experience helplessness and loneliness, longing for the comfort of loved ones. During these moments, everything feels as unbreakable to come out the situation. The attack can last anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours.

Recurring Panic Attacks
Recurring panic has impact on daily life. The person becomes easily triggered by loud noises, conflicts, frightening visuals, bad news, or phobias. The heart starts pounding instantly. Because the mind remains in a constant state of alert, the heart races even when the individual knows there’s no real danger.

 For Harry Potter Fans:
Severe anxiety and panic attacks can be compared to the scene in Harry Potter when Dementors i.e. the dark floating creatures approach people or say your favorite Harry Potter. They suck up happiness, love, and peace by leaving them feel cold and helpless with pain and huge fear. While trying to survive, one could do it by a flick of a wand and say the words, “Expecto Patronum,” and that’s where the Dementor vanishes.

In reality, we don’t have wands, but we have various strategies, medications, and the support of loved ones to help us deal with panic attacks. Most importantly, it is we (or I) who must consistently take care of ourselves, building strength and maintaining our health and well-being.

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Read more related content here:
How to control anxiety at night time? – Heal Your Emotions

How to help someone suffering from Anxiety and Panic Attack? – Heal Your Emotions

Have a happy weekend 🙂