Crying is a common symptom that occurs during both anxiety and panic attacks. The intense surge of physical and emotional distress defining these episodes frequently leads to an outpouring of tears. This reaction is a natural, physiological response to being overwhelmed by fear and the body’s acute stress signals. Understanding why this happens, and how this crying differs from sadness, can help manage the experience and determine when professional support is necessary.
Understanding Anxiety and Panic Attacks
While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a technical distinction between an anxiety attack and a panic attack. A panic attack is a sudden, discrete episode of intense fear that typically peaks within ten minutes and is accompanied by severe physical symptoms. These attacks can occur unexpectedly, without an apparent trigger, or they can be expected, cued by a specific situation.
Anxiety attacks are not a formal diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). They refer to a period of heightened, persistent anxiety that builds gradually over hours or days. This state of intense worry or distress is generally a response to a specific stressor and is considered part of the broader spectrum of an anxiety disorder. The symptoms of an anxiety attack are generally less intense and last longer than the acute surge characteristic of a panic attack.
The Physiological Basis for Crying
Crying during an acute episode of fear is directly linked to the body’s stress response system. When the brain perceives a threat, the sympathetic nervous system activates the “fight or flight” response, releasing stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This surge prepares the body for immediate action, causing the physical sensations associated with the attack.
The intense escalation of physiological distress can overwhelm the limbic system, the part of the brain that governs emotion. Crying serves as a natural outlet, acting as a form of emotional release to process sudden, intense feelings of fear and helplessness. Tears may help the body discharge some of the pent-up tension and energy that accumulates from the stress response. This physiological reaction is an external manifestation of the inner turmoil.
How Crying During an Attack Differs
Crying during an attack is distinct from crying due to sadness because it is intensely intertwined with severe somatic symptoms. The tears are not just a reaction to a negative emotion, but are part of a full-body, acute distress event. This crying is often uncontrollable and is accompanied by physical sensations that define the episode as an acute attack state.
These co-occurring physical symptoms may include a pounding heart, trembling, shortness of breath, or a choking sensation. Individuals may also experience depersonalization, feeling detached from themselves, or derealization, feeling that their surroundings are unreal. The combination of crying with severe physical distress creates a cycle that intensifies the overall feeling of panic and discomfort.
Recognizing When Professional Help is Needed
While occasional intense anxiety is a normal human experience, a consistent pattern of crying during attacks that significantly impacts daily function warrants professional intervention. If the attacks occur frequently, last for a prolonged period, or lead to significant changes in behavior, seeking help is advisable. If the episodes cause you to avoid work, social situations, or other daily activities, the anxiety is likely moving beyond a manageable level.
A healthcare professional can rule out any underlying physical causes for the symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis. Effective treatment typically includes psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps identify and modify thought patterns contributing to the attacks. Medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may also be prescribed to manage the frequency and intensity of the episodes.