Anxiety
What’s the Difference?
Panic attacks and anxiety attacks can look similar, but they’re not the same. Knowing the difference helps you support your teen in the right way.
In this session, we’ll explore:
✅ Panic attacks vs. anxiety attacks – How to recognise the key differences.
✅ Why panic attacks feel sudden and overwhelming – What triggers them and how to help in the moment.
✅ How anxiety attacks build over time – The signs to look for and strategies to ease them.
✅ Practical ways to respond – Grounding techniques for panic, reassurance for anxiety, and when to step in.
Key Differences:
🔹 Panic Attacks – Sudden & Intense
Appear without warning and peak quickly.
Physical symptoms like racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness.
Often comes with a feeling of losing control or impending doom.
Best response: Stay calm, focus on slow breathing, and use grounding techniques.
🔹 Anxiety Attacks – Gradual & Ongoing
Builds up over time in response to stress.
Persistent worry, restlessness, and tension rather than sudden fear.
Often linked to overthinking, avoidance, and feeling overwhelmed.
Best response: Reassurance, breaking down worries into steps, and encouraging movement.
📥 Download Section:
Crisis Response Guide – What to do during a panic or anxiety attack.
Calm & Control Toolkit – Breathing and grounding techniques to help your teen regain balance.
▶️ Click play and learn how to support your teen through moments of panic or anxiety.
