How do I know if I'm really having a panic attack or if I'm just freaking out?

Check the medical signs if it seems like you can't breathe or your chest is feeling tight its a panic attack.

When having a panic attack, it's different for everyone having it. Some of the most common symtoms, however, is a fast beating of your heart, hyperventilation, feeling like you can't breathe.

Panic attacks, at least for me, you're stuck in your head as your body freaks out. When you're freaking out your mind and body work in unison

Panic attacks are bouts of intense anxiety. Panic attacks are bouts of intense anxiety. They come on quickly, sometimes seemingly out of nowhere, but at other times in response to a stressful event or the thought that something unavoidable and bad is going to happen in the future. They include,pounding heartbeat, shaking, bad nerves, fear, feeling that you are going to die, and feeling like you are having a heart attack. You may think that you are sick when it actually is a panic attack. Freaking out may just include such as fear about something you know is coming. Like a upcoming test.

When having a panic attack your throat tightens and its harder to breathe you may have a lot of sweating as well

Panic attacks are very much like freaking out, breathing heavily and other physical symptoms can let you know when you're having a panic attack and when you're not.

The difference is in how your body reacts to it. When having panic attack you'll expirience some or all of below: Pounding heart Sweating Stomach upset or dizziness Frequent urination or diarrhea Shortness of breath Tremors and twitches Muscle tension Headaches Fatigue Insomnia Freaking out is simular but I'd dare to say less dangerous and lasts shorter.

These are not mutually exclusive. A panic attack can bring respiratory problems and a sense of dizziness. Freaking out can cause the same.

Well for me I know that I am having a panic attack when I feel myself spiraling out of control and can't catch my breath. It's almost like a train without breaks, I just can't stop the anxiety no matter how hard I pull on the lever. When I am "freaking out" it's more self caused and can be stopped.

Panic Attack symptoms include shortness of breath, racing heart, shaking, a choking feeling and even feeling detached from your surroundings. You may feel lightheaded and even a little sick. Panic Attacks happen when a person has an overwhelming sense of fear or anxiety.