WHAT IS ANXIETY ATTACK? KNOW ABOUT SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, & CAUSES

Anxiety is something many of us experience, and it’s completely okay to feel this way sometimes. It’s when fear or worry becomes overwhelming and starts to affect your everyday life. It’s different from the usual nervousness or stress we all go through, but with awareness and the right support, most people find their way back to living a peaceful and fulfilling life.

In this blog, you will learn about the key differences between anxiety attacks and panic attacks, their causes, types, and available treatment options. We will also discuss prevention strategies to help manage symptoms. By the end, you’ll find inspiring examples of “Anxiety Warriors”—individuals who turned their mental health struggles into powerful works of art.

While anxiety is a natural response to stress, it becomes a problem when it’s persistent and overwhelming. Mild anxiety can help us stay alert and focused, but anxiety disorders involve ongoing worry that can lead to physical symptoms and avoidance behaviors.

What’s the difference between anxiety and fear?

• Anxiety often involves irrational worrying about future events, even when there’s no certain reason to be concerned, and is often linked to muscle tension and avoidance.
• Fear is an immediate emotional response to a threat, triggering the “fight or flight” reaction. This means you either face the situation and act, or you escape and avoid it.

Anxiety refers to a normal feeling of unease or worry that everyone experiences from time to time. However, in more advanced cases, it can develop into a range of anxiety disorders. These disorders are ongoing conditions characterized by excessive fear, anxiety, and worry that can interfere with daily life.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety Disorder	Description
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)	Persistent, excessive worry about everyday issues (e.g. work, health, relationships) often without a clear cause.
Separation Anxiety Disorder	Intense fear of being away from loved ones or home; can cause nightmares, nausea, or headaches; affects both children and adults.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)	Anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional distress following a traumatic experience; symptoms can persist long after the event.
Social Anxiety Disorder	Extreme fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings; often leads to avoidance of interaction and impacts daily functioning.
Selective Mutism	Usually in children—unable to speak in certain settings (e.g. school) despite normal speech at home; linked to social anxiety.
Panic Disorder	Recurring panic attacks—sudden episodes of intense fear, often with physical symptoms like palpitations or shortness of breath.
Phobias	Irrational and overwhelming fear of specific objects or situations (e.g. heights, flying, spiders), often resulting in avoidance.

Common Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders:

The symptoms of anxiety can vary depending from one to one but often include:

• Sleep disturbances, or even nightmares.
• Intense fear or a constant feeling of impending doom.
• A sensation of shortness of breath, which can make breathing feel difficult.
• Gastrointestinal disturbances like stomach aches and nausea.
• Cold, sweaty hands and tremors that may make it hard to feel comfortable.
• Uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts that can overwhelm your mind and make it hard to focus.

Some medical conditions, like thyroid issues or heart problems, can mimic anxiety symptoms. It’s important to seek a healthcare professional’s help to rule out other causes.

Remember, when a flower doesn’t bloom, it’s not the flower’s fault—it’s the environment that needs adjustment. Similarly, if you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s important to look at the factors affecting your mental health.

Professional healthcare providers can help identify whether anxiety is the cause of your symptoms, or if there may be another underlying health issue. 

Consult our top psychiatrists and psychologists‘ team in Reem Hospital, Abu Dhabi, your wellbeing is our top priority.

What Causes Anxiety Disorders?

Anxiety can stem from various factors, including:

• Genetics: A family history of anxiety may increase the likelihood of developing it.
• Idiopathic causes: In some cases, the exact cause of anxiety is unknown.
• Childhood trauma: Experiences of abuse or neglect during childhood can heighten the risk of anxiety disorders later in life.
• Stress or trauma: Life events, such as the loss of a loved one or experiencing violence, can trigger anxiety or lead to conditions like PTSD.
• Substance abuse: The use of alcohol or drugs can increase the likelihood of developing anxiety disorders.
• Health conditions: Serious illnesses or ongoing health issues can contribute to excessive worry and anxiety.

At Reem Hospital, we understand the mental health challenges our patients and guests may face. To support their well-being, we offer consistent group therapy sessions and individual counseling for our inpatients across hospital wards. These therapies are designed to help patients manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues in a supportive environment.

Other factors that may contribute to anxiety include psychological traits, biological imbalances in the brain, and stressful life events.

Complications of Anxiety Disorders

If left untreated, anxiety disorders can worsen over time, leading to both mental and physical health problems.

• Changes in quality of life: Anxiety can significantly affect an individual’s productivity, impacting their performance at school or work.
• Depression: Chronic anxiety can contribute to the development of depression, as both conditions often occur together.
• Substance abuse: Some individuals may turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with anxiety, which can worsen both anxiety and overall mental health.

Your mental health is your garden—be your own gardener. Nurture it with love and care and root out the anxiety thorns before they grow. Stop feeding them.

Getting help from a healthcare professional is important to prevent the situation from getting worse. Don’t wait for symptoms to become unmanageable—early intervention can make a big difference in improving both mental and physical health.

Preventing Anxiety

While it’s not always possible to fully prevent anxiety, there are supportive steps you can take to reduce its impact and manage its symptoms:

• Embrace a healthy lifestyle—exercise regularly, nourish your body with wholesome food, practice relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation, prioritize restful sleep, and gently steer clear of substances like alcohol or drugs that may increase anxiety.
• Don’t hesitate to seek professional help early if you begin noticing any symptoms. Reaching out for support can make a world of difference in improving your quality of life.
• Practice stress management techniques, such as regular physical activity and healthy coping strategies, to help keep stress in check and prevent anxiety from taking root.
• Stay connected with your loved ones—talk to them at least once a day. Their support and understanding can help you feel lighter and more at ease, making it easier to release the weight of anxiety.

Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks: Key Differences

• Anxiety attacks is usually linked to stress or something threatening, while panic attacks can happen suddenly, without any clear cause.
• Anxiety attacks can vary from mild to severe, but panic attacks are intense, sudden experiences.
• Panic attacks may last a few minutes or longer, while anxiety attacks tends to build over time.
• People who experience panic attacks may start avoiding places or situations where they fear another attack could happen.

Understanding Panic Attacks

Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear that come with overwhelming physical symptoms like:

• Rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath or choking feeling
• Chest pain or tightness in the throat
• Sweating, shaking, chills, or hot flashes
• Nausea or abdominal pain
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Numbness or tingling sensations

Treatment of Anxiety Disorders

With the right care, most people with anxiety disorders can feel significantly better and live full, healthy lives. Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs and often includes a mix of therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and self-help tools.

1. Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for anxiety. It helps identify and shift negative thought patterns and behaviors.
   Other approaches, like exposure therapy, can also help by gradually and safely confronting fears in a supportive setting. 
2. Lifestyle Changes: Daily habits have a big impact on anxiety. Helpful adjustments include:
   • Regular exercise to boost mood and reduce stress
   • Deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to calm the nervous system
   • Healthy, balanced meals with less caffeine and sugar
   • Prioritizing sleep and a consistent sleep routine
3. Self-Help & Support: Simple practices can make a big difference over time
   • Journaling, art, or mindfulness to relax and reset
   • Talking to loved ones or joining a support group
   • Learning healthy coping strategies for stress
4. Alternative and complementary Therapies: While not replacements for medical care, options like the below can complement other treatments by promoting calm and overall well-being.
   • Acupuncture
   • Yoga
   • Guided meditation
5. Online Resources & Groups: Apps for meditation, anxiety tracking, or CBT-based self-help can offer valuable support. Online and in-person groups create a sense of connection and help reduce isolation.
6. Long-Term Management: Some people find relief quickly, while others need long-term care. Staying consistent with treatment—and checking in regularly with a mental health professional—helps ensure ongoing progress.
7. Medications: Medications can help manage anxiety attack symptoms. Common medications include:

Medication	Purpose
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors -A class of antidepressants)	Help balance brain chemicals like serotonin; requires close medical supervision.
Benzodiazepines	Provide short-term relief for severe symptoms- not for long-term use.
Beta-blockers	Help manage physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat.

All medications should be prescribed and monitored by a qualified psychiatrist.

With the right treatment and consistent self-care, anxiety and anxiety attacks can be managed effectively, allowing individuals to lead a fulfilling life. Always consult a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable approach for your situation.

Examples of Anxiety Warriors Who Turned Their Mental Challenges into Art

Many artists throughout history have faced mental health challenges yet turned those struggles into creative triumphs. Their stories prove that mental health can be an intrinsic part of their artistic journey:

• Michelangelo Buonarroti: Orphaned at six, Michelangelo battled depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These challenges, however, fueled his exceptional artistry.
• Claude Monet: Throughout his life, Monet faced severe episodes of depression. His personal struggles didn’t stop him from creating some of the world’s most beloved art, showing how he channeled his inner turmoil into his work.
• Gustav Klimt: Known for his outspoken personality, Klimt had a fear of succumbing to mental illness. Despite this, his unique and expressive art left an indelible mark on the world.
• Edvard Munch: Munch’s iconic works (“The Scream”, “Love and Pain”, Ashes”) reflect his battles with anxiety attacks, depression, alcoholism, and emotional distress. His personal struggles are evident in the raw emotion conveyed through his art.
• Pablo Picasso: Picasso faced chronic depression, yet painting became his outlet for maintaining sanity. As he put it, “If I don’t paint, I have fun, and if I don’t, I go crazy.” Art was his refuge and a means to process his emotions.
• Egon Schiele: After losing his father at 14, Schiele’s grief and obsession with his own loneliness became central themes in his art. His self-portraits reveal his struggles with anguish and isolation, providing insight into his emotional world.
• Frida Kahlo: Following a traumatic accident and a turbulent marriage, Kahlo faced PTSD, bipolar disorder, and dissociative personality disorder. Despite these challenges, she became one of the most influential and resilient figures in art history.

These artists showed that mental health struggles can shape creative expression, and their works continue to inspire generations.

Conclusion

Anxiety attacks can feel overwhelming, but they are more common—and more manageable—than many people realize. With the right support, coping strategies, and, when needed, professional care, most people can regain control and improve their quality of life. At Reem Hospital, our mental health specialists offer compassionate, evidence-based support to help you understand your symptoms and feel better, one step at a time. If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out—you’re not alone, and recovery is possible.

Reference: MEPA