People often use the terms panic attack and anxiety attack interchangeably, but they’re not the same. While both involve fear, discomfort, and intense physical sensations, they show up differently and often have different triggers. Understanding the difference can help you feel more in control and know what to do when symptoms appear.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common condition characterized by persistent, uncontrollable worry about everyday situations. Unlike typical stress, GAD doesn’t go away when circumstances improve — it lingers and affects daily life.

Anxiety is an umbrella term that covers many different conditions — each with its own symptoms, triggers, and treatment options. Knowing the differences can help you understand what you’re experiencing and which support strategies may help.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental-health experiences worldwide — yet most people still misunderstand what it truly feels like. It’s not just “worry” or “stress.” Anxiety can affect every part of your mind and body, often in ways that are invisible to others.