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

Panic attacks can feel very different some side affects may be your chest tightens, you breathing becomes rapid, palms will become clammy

Freaking out and having a panic attack are the same thing. If your freaking out than its a sign of a panic attack.

Look for clear physical symptoms. There are several systems those experiencing a panic attack often have such as shortness of breath, shaking hands, and uncontrollable racing heart beat. Many who have experienced panic attacks have also expressed feeling like they're about to die or uncontrollable racing thoughts.

A full-blown panic attack includes a combination of the following signs and symptoms: Shortness of breath or hyperventilation. Heart palpitations or a racing heart. Chest pain or discomfort. Trembling or shaking. Choking feeling. Feeling unreal or detached from your surroundings.

Panic attacks can lead to heart palpitations and breathing problems, that aren't necessarily triggered by anything in particular. It can almost feel like a heart attack, being acute chest pains, that can lead to worrying about having more and avoiding situations you feel will bring on another. Just freaking out, you know logically you can handle that situation without aid and calm yourself at the time. Panic attacks can be debilitating and avoiding ever putting yourself into that situation. It's a good idea to talk to someone supportive in either case.

There isn't a big difference between 'freaking out' and having a panic attack, but one of the main differences is being unable to breathe. When you have a panic attack you are breathing too fast for it to be productive and thus, are still out of breath. Its like playing a sick game of 'catch up' where you're simultaneously out of breath and ahead of breath at the same time

panic attacks mean you cant breath and feel like your throat is closing up but freaking out is just maybe crying

When I have panic attacks, I usually start getting "ticks", such as rubbing my hands on my legs or pulling at my hair. I also start stuttering or mumbling, and usually desperately want to be secluded from anyone. If I'm just freaking out about something, I just start worrying and desperately try to fix the problem. Most of the time during panic attacks, you tend to not think rationally, because you can only focus on the bad things that are happening. Usually if you're just "freaking out" you're concerned, you think to try to come up with a solution to your problem.

Panic attacks typically come with very strong and unpleasant physical symptoms. Such as shortness of breath, dizziness, upset stomach, etc, ALONG WITH the feeling of freaking out.

Panic attacks you usually have trouble breathing, rapid heart beat, the sensation that you are dying or may feel like you are dying. Freaking out you may have rapid thoughts and feel you have no idea what to do