Worrying vs. Anxiety vs. Panic

Do you know the difference?

Have you experienced any or all? Separately or all at once?

Are you or do you know someone who worries?

Are you or do you know someone who struggles with anxiety?

Are you or do you know someone who struggles with panic (anxiety)  attacks?

Just to get you thinking about the difference:

I worry that I may sleep late tomorrow and miss the knock on the door of the "delivery" of a very special 4 year old little girl I'll be taking care of this summer.

I am anxious and think OFTEN-and fret-and worry-about my return to VA in 3 short weeks, to encounter many "firsts" since my Uncle R.O.'s death in October.  The UNKNOWN of what lies ahead is enough to push me to the brink.....

Of an anxiety/panic attack.

When that occurs-for ME-I am physically feeling things all over my body-not just things "playing" around in my head or heart.  My pulse may increase.  I sweat profusely.  I often begin gagging (in an attempt not to puke--and then, often, will puke).  I often cry.  And shake/tremble. I find it difficult to breathe and often feel as though I'm choking or gasping to take a deep breath.

One can worry and become anxious about the worse of the three (attacks).  BUT, how one handles the worry and anxiety BEFORE it reaches "attack level" is KEY and ESSENTIAL in healthy mental and emotional growth and development.  This, I have found-to.be.SO.true, over the past 1 1/2-2 years. 

For me-I go back to crying out the sweet name of Jesus, to begin with.  And I turn to scripture and song. 

Here are some passages the speak specifically about the heart.

Anxiety and the Heart:Proverbs 12:25Anxiety weighs down the heart,
  but a kind word cheers it up.

Psalm 27:1
1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
   whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
   of whom shall I be afraid?

John 14:27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.