Data from Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) states that approximately 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older suffer from an anxiety disorder.
For some people, anxiety can be a chronic condition that causes frequent anxiety attacks. For others, it may be a one-time event triggered by a specific situation or stressor.
Either way, it can be difficult to cope with the fear and physical symptoms that an anxiety attack brings.
This article will explore how long anxiety attacks can last, what symptoms may be present during an attack, and coping tips that come in handy.
Signs of Anxiety Attack
The symptoms of a generalized anxiety disorder can also vary, but typically includes feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness.
These are the most common symptoms that people experience during anxiety attacks:
- Fast heart rate
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Sudden need to urinate
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Rapid breathing
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Muscle tension
- Sweating
- Skin rashes
- Dry mouth
- Chest pain or tightness
Anxiety Attack vs. Panic Attack
Anxiety attacks can be mild, but a panic attack is usually more severe. A panic attack can last from a few minutes to several hours, whereas an anxiety attack generally lasts for 30 minutes or less.
How Long Can an Anxiety Attack Last?
There is no specific timeframe commonly accepted for anxiety attacks. Some may have longer episodes than others which last for hours or even days while there are individuals who experience them only for a couple of minutes.
Since the time length varies, it is recommended to time three separate anxiety episodes to determine how long an individual symptom lasts.
Can Anxiety Attacks Last for Days?
Anxiety attacks can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days.
Anxiety can build up for hours or even days before the actual attack so it is important to take note of factors that contribute to anxiety to effectively prevent or treat them.
If you know how to stop a panic attack, you may be able to get control of your symptoms faster.
How Long Does it Take to Recover from an Anxiety Attack?
The anxiety attack recovery process can vary from person to person. For some, the anxiety attack may be a one-time event that does not require any additional treatment.
Others may need to seek mental health professional/s help to manage their anxiety.
Can You Prevent a Panic Attack?
There is no definitive answer to this question.
Some people may be able to prevent anxiety attacks by managing their stress levels, avoiding triggers, and practicing relaxation techniques.
However, for others, anxiety may be a chronic condition that cannot be prevented.
How to Calm Anxiety or Panic Attacks
An anxiety or panic attack may also be treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and/or anti-anxiety medication.
A panic attack can also be treated with CBT or with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and other antidepressants.
Staying informed and looking for help when you need it can create a sense of calmness and help you experience less anxiety or panic attacks in the future.
Knowing how to calm an anxiety attack, including what to do when one is starting or how to avoid one starting in the first place greatly depends on understanding what works best for you individually.
These are some things that you can do to help ease the symptoms and make the attack more manageable.
- Avoid unhealthy foods
- Avoid triggers of anxiety
- Engage in exercise or physical activity
- Use herbal supplements or teas that help anxiety
- Use meditation or yoga to relax
- Try to engage in positive thinking
- Take slow, controlled, deep breaths
- Talk to someone who can offer support and reassurance. This may be a friend, family member, or therapist.
- Seek professional help if the attacks are severe or occur frequently.
When to See a Doctor
If you are experiencing frequent or severe anxiety attacks, it is important to seek professional help.
A therapist can help you identify and manage the triggers that cause your attacks and develop strategies for coping with them.
If you are in Texas and are looking for a therapist that can help with anxiety attacks, please call our office.
We can help you find the right therapist for you. RapidCare Emergency Room has locations in La Porte and Katy.
Key Takeaways
Staying informed and looking for help when you need it can create a sense of calmness and help you experience less anxiety or panic attacks in the future.
If you know how to stop a panic attack, you may be able to get control of your symptoms faster.
If you are experiencing frequent or severe anxiety attacks, it is important to seek professional help.