Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental health disorder, with almost 20% of American adults reporting an anxiety disorder between 2023 and 2024. Some cases are managed with DIY methods, such as lifestyle or diet changes, or outpatient therapy, but you can be hospitalized for severe anxiety.
This guide discusses the difference between anxiety that’s part of the human experience and a mental health crisis that might require emergency treatment. It also provides some signs it might be time to go to the hospital and explains what to expect if you seek psychiatric treatment for anxiety.
The Difference Between Anxiety and a Mental Health Crisis
Not every panic attack means you need to rush to the hospital, but knowing the difference between typical anxiety and a mental health crisis can help you make safer decisions about emergency care needs. If you’ve ever wondered about the line between a panic attack and hospital care, the table below demonstrates some differences between bouts of anxiety and an emergency mental health crisis.
| Anxiety as a Normal Part of the Human Experience | Anxiety as a Mental Health Crisis |
|---|---|
| Worry/fear that’s temporary or comes and goes | Anxiety that won’t subside, even with the use of coping tools |
| You experience a few panic attacks that resolve or are linked to specific, temporary situations | Your panic attacks return consistently, don’t resolve or cause dangerous physical health situations |
| You can function at home or work with the anxiety | You have a very hard time managing or aren’t able to manage daily tasks due to anxiety |
| You aren’t having thoughts of harming yourself or others | You feel unsafe or have thoughts of hurting yourself or others |
| Support and/or rest helps you calm down | Even with support, your anxiety feels out of control |
If anxiety is making it hard to stay safe or care for yourself, it may be more than just a rough day — it could be time to seek professional help.
Signs You May Need Immediate Help
Recognizing the signs of a mental health emergency can help you get immediate help for yourself or a loved one. Some warning signs you may want to go to a local hospital for help include:
- You’re having thoughts about self-harm or suicide. If you’re thinking about ending your life or hurting yourself, even thoughts that you don’t think you have an intention of following through on, it’s likely time to seek help.
- You’re unable to care for yourself. If your anxiety has stopped you from eating, sleeping or otherwise caring for your own health and wellness, you may need professional assistance sooner rather than later.
- You feel completely out of control. Constant thoughts about how life is unraveling around you or how you can’t manage even simple day-to-day situations could indicate a need for emergency care.
- You’re dealing with delusions or hallucinations. If you’re seeing or hearing things that others say aren’t there or believing things that aren’t true, it could indicate you’re dealing with severe anxiety or a co-occurring condition. These often require immediate professional intervention.
- You’ve integrated substance abuse as a coping method. If you’re drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs as a way to cope with your anxiety, reaching out for help now can help you stop a cycle of self-medication and addiction.
What Happens During a Psychiatric Emergency Visit?
When you arrive, you’ll typically check in through the ER or a dedicated psychiatric intake area. A nurse or mental health professional will do an initial assessment to understand what you’re experiencing.
You may be placed in a safe, quiet room while the team determines the best course of action. That might include speaking with a psychiatrist or crisis worker who’ll ask questions about your symptoms, history and safety.
What do they give you at the hospital for anxiety? If your symptoms are intense, you may be offered medication to help you calm down. It’s often something fast-acting like a benzodiazepine or antipsychotic and may even be administered via IV, depending on your needs. This is usually a short-term solution to help stabilize you.
ER physicians may also order tests, such as lab work, to help assess overall health and rule out physical conditions that might drive anxiety symptoms. Depending on findings in the ER, clinical staff may recommend you be admitted to the hospital or refer you to outpatient treatment options. They’ll walk you through these processes and provide instructions for following up with relevant care.
Preparing for a Hospital Stay
If you suspect ahead of time that you may end up being admitted to the hospital or an inpatient level of treatment, consider taking some simple steps to make the experience smoother. Before going to the ER, you might:
- Pack some essentials, such as comfortable clothing, a phone charger and contact information for your loved ones
- Have your insurance card with you and, if possible, take time to check your benefits and choose a location that’s in-network with your plan
- Make a list of your symptoms and concerns so you can talk through them with health care professionals
- Arrange care for any responsibilities at home, such as someone to feed your fish or care for a dog
Alternative Options Before It Reaches Crisis Level
You don’t have to wait until things become an emergency before getting help with anxiety. Consider:
- Talking to a therapist, as regular counseling can help you learn to manage anxiety and avoid spiraling
- Making an appointment with your primary care doctor and letting them know you’re experiencing anxiety symptoms
- Joining a support group to talk through your anxiety with others and get support in practicing healthy coping mechanisms
If you’re not sure where to start in managing anxiety, the Mental Health Hotline can help you find local and regional resources that fit your needs.
