Anxiety vs. Panic Attacks: Know the Difference & How to Manage Both at Lyte Psychiatry

Best Psychiatrist and Therapist Near You (Affordable Adults and Adolescents Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You) – Dallas, TX

Anxiety and panic attacks are often used interchangeably—but they’re not the same thing. While both can feel intense and overwhelming, understanding the difference between anxiety and panic attacks is the first step toward effective management and long-term relief.

At Lyte Psychiatry in Dallas, TX, we help teens, adults, and families navigate both everyday anxiety and sudden panic—offering expert support, personalized treatment, and tools to regain calm and control.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a chronic state of worry or fear about everyday situations. It builds over time and often includes physical symptoms like:

✅ Muscle tension

✅ Fatigue

✅ Trouble sleeping

✅ Difficulty concentrating

✅ Racing thoughts

✅ Irritability

While anxiety can feel overwhelming, it’s usually related to future-based fears or persistent stress—and it tends to come in waves rather than all at once.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an intense surge of fear or discomfort that usually peaks within 10 minutes. It often feels sudden and can happen even when you're not feeling particularly anxious.

Symptoms of a panic attack may include:

✅ Rapid heart rate or palpitations

✅ Shortness of breath

✅ Chest pain

✅ Dizziness or lightheadedness

✅ Sweating or chills

✅ Nausea

✅ Feeling detached from reality (derealization)

Tips to Manage Anxiety & Panic (at the Moment)

Here are a few techniques we often teach our clients:

For Anxiety:

✅ Practice deep breathing: Inhale 4 seconds, hold, exhale 6 seconds

✅ Challenge negative thoughts: Ask, “Is this thought 100% true?”

✅ Use grounding exercises: Name 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear…

✅ Move your body: Even a 10-minute walk can shift your energy

For Panic Attacks:

Focus on your breath: Breathe slowly and deeply

Remind yourself it will pass: Panic attacks always end

Sit or lie down safely

Use a calming mantra: “I am safe. This feeling will pass.”

Take Control of Your Mental Health & Schedule an Appointment at Lyte Psychiatry (Affordable Therapist and Psychiatrist Near You)

If you're tired of anxiety ruling your day or panic attacks taking over your life, it's time to take action. At Lyte Psychiatry, we offer a compassionate space where healing starts with understanding—and leads to empowerment.

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Call us if you have questions at 469-733-0848

📍 Serving the Dallas-Fort Worth area with in-person and virtual appointments available for all of Texas.

FAQ: Anxiety, Panic Attacks & Treatment at Lyte Psychiatry

Q: Can you have anxiety without panic attacks?

A: Yes. Many people live with chronic anxiety and never experience panic attacks. Others have both. Each person’s experience is unique.

Q: What causes panic attacks?

A: Panic attacks can be triggered by stress, trauma, or certain medical conditions—but they can also occur out of the blue. We’ll help identify any patterns or triggers.

Q: Is medication required for treatment?

A: Not always. Many individuals benefit from therapy alone. If medication is helpful, we’ll discuss it together and build a plan that works for you.

Q: Do you work with teens who experience anxiety or panic?

A: Absolutely. We specialize in adolescent mental health and offer age-appropriate care and family support when needed.

Q: Is Lyte Psychiatry affordable?

A: Yes! We accept a variety of insurance plans and offer affordable self-pay options for individuals and families.