Anxiety and panic are the body’s natural alarm systems, designed to protect us from danger. Sometimes, though, that alarm becomes overly sensitive—reacting to perceived threats even when we are safe. Anxiety often builds gradually through worry and tension, while panic can arrive suddenly and intensely, creating fear of losing control or being overwhelmed. By understanding these experiences with compassion rather than fear, we can learn to calm the nervous system, rebuild a sense of safety, and respond to distress with greater confidence and care.