Anxiety is a feeling of ongoing worry, tension, or unease. It often builds gradually and can last for hours, days, or even longer. People with anxiety may feel restless, on edge, unable to relax, or constantly expecting something to go wrong. Physical symptoms can include muscle tension, poor sleep, irritability, a racing mind, or difficulty concentrating.

Panic, on the other hand, comes on suddenly and intensely. A panic attack is a surge of overwhelming fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes. It can feel frightening and out of control, even when there is no real danger. Common symptoms include a pounding heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, chest tightness, or the feeling that something terrible is about to happen.

In simple terms:

• Anxiety is a steady, ongoing state of worry or tension.

• Panic is a sudden wave of intense fear that comes quickly and strongly.

While anxiety tends to linger in the background, panic feels like a sudden alarm going off in the body. Both are driven by the mind’s threat response, and both can be eased by addressing the underlying stress and emotional triggers.