Can I go to ER for Anxiety?

Anxiety is the body’s natural way of responding to stress. For instance, it’s normal to feel anxious about attending an interview or giving a speech at a large social gathering. However, you might have an anxiety disorder if you experience extreme anxiety or fear that affects normal things like entering the elevator alone.

The symptoms and severity of anxiety disorders may vary from one person. For instance, it can range from restlessness to a racing heart. Common symptoms of anxiety include:

You might have an anxiety attack if you experience extreme fear or symptoms similar to a serious health problem like a heart attack. The anxiety attack often happens suddenly and peaks within 10-20 minutes. The trigger can be known or unknown. The severity of the symptoms can vary and change over time. Common symptoms of anxiety attacks include:

Should you go to the ER for anxiety?

If you’re experiencing a panic attack, you might feel an overwhelming sense of fear, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or a racing heart. These symptoms can be frightening, and it’s understandable to wonder if you should go to the emergency room. However, unless there is a reason to believe your symptoms stem from a medical emergency—such as a heart attack—it is often more beneficial to seek specialized mental health support instead.

When Should I Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

While panic attacks can mimic symptoms of severe health conditions, a visit to the ER is usually unnecessary unless:

• You have never experienced these symptoms before, and they could be related to a medical condition.
• You have a history of heart disease or other serious health issues.
• You experience chest pain that does not subside, shortness of breath that worsens, or an irregular heartbeat.
• You have thoughts of self-harm or harming others. In this case, you should call a crisis hotline or seek immediate support from a mental health professional.

What if I am experiencing a panic attack or have anxiety?

There are many resources publicly available to help individuals with managing anxiety and panic attacks:

1. Crisis Hotlines and Mental Health Support
   • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial 988 for free and confidential support 24/7.
   • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline – Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for mental health resources.
   • Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained counselor.

2. Grounding Techniques and Coping Strategies
   • Deep Breathing: Try the 4-7-8 breathing technique—inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, exhale for eight.
   • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and relax different muscle groups to release physical tension.
   • Mindfulness and Meditation: Apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided exercises to help ease panic symptoms.

3. Talk to a Mental Health Professional

If panic attacks are recurring, speaking with a therapist or psychiatrist can help you develop long-term strategies for managing anxiety. Telehealth options are also widely available for convenience.

4. Create a Safety Plan

Work with a therapist to develop a plan for handling panic attacks when they arise. This may include identifying triggers, practicing coping techniques, and knowing who to contact for support.

What thoughts or feelings do you have?

While your mental state is usually the root cause of anxiety attacks, paying attention to your feelings or thoughts is also essential. If you have self-harm thoughts like killing yourself or others, contact a mental health professional immediately or call 911.