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

Both feelings are kinda close to each other but having a panic attack makes you unable to function, liked literally nothing really works anymore and its nearly unbearable while freaking out is stress and all as well but it is something you overcome more easily and it is not like you are unable to do anything at all. It's not easy to tell the difference

They're pretty similar, yet striking different. A panic attack often involves hyperventilation, crying, or even nausea/vomiting. It also requires a diagnosis from a clinician. It may even come on for no apparent reason at all, and leave just as quickly as it came.

Panic attacks can be different depending on each individual but when you have a panic attack you know because you struggle for breath some people describe this feeling to be like you are dying because you cant get enough air another experience is uncontrollable shaking , slowed down hearing and movement tunnel vision and when some panic attacks go to far you can pass out. with a panic attack you will know the difference to freaking out and them as you feel you have no control and do feel like you can get past it but you can a panic attack is not going to kill you hope this helped.

if you are having chest pains, difficulty breathing or rapid heartbeat you do have a panic attack. I saw it in suits, Harvey is the stuff

For me personally, panic attacks are always accompanied by a rash on my legs and painful diarrhea. Freaking out is an accelerated heart rate and shortness of breath.

Panic attacks are very similar to freaking out, however they usually have quite distinct symptoms. It's usually a form of EXTREME fear or anxiety. So in a way, a panic attack is freaking out, just more severe. It'd differ from each individual, but usual symptoms are dizziness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, a feeling of choking or suffocating, hyperventilation, a tingling sensation in certain body parts and sweating. You wouldn't be able to think of anything else except the dread during a panic attack. It think that's how you know. If you're just freaking out, you may have some of these symptoms, but you'd still be able to think.

You will know if you are having a panic attack. You wont be able to breathe and you feel as if you are having a heart attack. Your whole world will feel as if it's closing in on you and it can last quite a few minutes.

A panic attack is a very acute experience. Being stressed is one thing, and being overwhelmed is another. A panic attack, as it is colloquially called, is an experience where a person is so overcome with anxiety that they are often debilitated, and often they feel that they may die. If you are having a panic attack, you may notice shortness of breath, numbness, stabbing chest pains, tingling in your limbs, and you may feel you are not able to stand. Some people cry while having a panic attack, as well. It is when you are so overcome with dread that you feel that you may die, but take comfort in knowing that most panic attacks do not last long. If you suffer from panic attacks, know that there is help. They often accompany a panic disorder, anxiety disorder, or conditions such as PTSD. Speak to your doctor about your experiences, and you may wish to seek therapy in order to work on early-detection (so you can "nip it in the bud" when it occurs) and coping skills for when the next one arises. Panic attacks are a serious medical issue, but there is help out there for you. If you feel you are in imminent danger of hurting yourself, someone else, or that you may die during an attack, please seek help from a professional on a hotline, or get yourself to a hospital, if accessible.

your heart raises high then normal and u have pain in chest sometimes and somtimes feel nausea and vomiting

Panic attacks usually give a very physical response, unlike just freaking out over things. Usually people suffer with irregular breathing or hyperventilate during an attack, as well as shiver/shake, get hot/cold flushes, have a rapid heart rate and even get pins and needles in their hands and feet.