Panic Attack Hotline

If you feel that you are struggling with recurring panic attacks, you don’t have to struggle alone. You can call The National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787 to speak to a professional about panic attacks and get help with mental health resources.

The National Mental Health Hotline is here for you if you are struggling with anxiety, fear or full-blown panic attack. We will not dismiss your situation, and our compassionate staff will assist you. Feel free to call 866-903-3787 at any time of the day or night.

Each year an estimated 4.7% of people in the United States experience panic attack disorder. If you have ever experienced a panic attack episode, you know how terrifying it can be. However, you don’t have to face the devastating symptoms of the condition alone. Choosing to seek help is an act of courage and self-compassion. At National Mental Health Hotline, we believe you deserve to live a life free from the grip of blinding fear and anxiety. Having a dedicated panic attack hotline is crucial to that path to liberation. Panic attack crisis helplines provide an easy, confidential and anonymous way to find validation and empathy without worrying about the stigma associated with our condition.

Panic Attack Helplines and Resources

The following are some of the panic attack hotlines available in locations near you. These include:

• Mental Health Hotline. Call (866) 903-3787 (24-7 mental health resource and support line).
• SAMHSA National Helpline. Call (800) 662-4357 (English/Spanish) or find help online.
• NAMI HelpLine. Call (800) 950-NAMI (6264).
• Crisis Text Line. Text 741741 or visit crisistextline.org.
• Crisis Support Services
  Crisis Support Services offer a dedicated hotline to help in case of a crisis, such as an anxiety attack or panic attack. The responders readily offer support in a confidential and free environment. To reach a live counselor:
  • Call: 1-800-273-8255 or
  • Text the word CARE to 839863

The Benefits of Using Panic Attack Support Hotlines

Panic attack hotlines provide an easy way to understand and manage your episodes with compassion and support. These resources are staffed by trained professionals vital in providing immediate support, information and guidance you need to tackle your challenges. They also offer a non-judgmental listening ear, understanding and a pathway to tailored help and resources. If you are hesitant to reach out for help from those who know you, here are some of the reasons to turn to the panic attack phone helpline:

• Immediate support: Panic attacks can hit without warning, leaving you with overwhelming and distressing emotions. Panic attack emergency hotlines offer direct support and calming presence to anyone in distress. Knowing you have a caring and compassionate person to talk to helps you feel less lonely and more secure.
• Confidentiality and anonymity: It is understandable if you feel embarrassed or hesitant to discuss your condition openly with others. Since you are not required to divulge personal details, panic attack crisis hotlines offer a confidential and anonymous platform to seek help. You can freely express your feelings, fears and concerns without fear of judgment or disclosure.
• Validation and empathy: A key reason to seek help when dealing with panic attacks is finding validation and empathy. By talking to a helpline counselor, you will interact with someone who understands your struggles and can provide a safe space to express your emotions, fears and worries.
• Quality emotional guidance: As mentioned earlier, crisis hotlines are staffed by trained operators with the right skills and knowledge to offer the emotional support and encouragement you need to tackle your issues. You will receive practical tips to manage symptoms, such as deep breathing exercises, visualization exercises and grounding techniques.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that often feels like a medical emergency. Many people describe the feeling as similar to a heart attack. Symptoms may include:

• Racing heart or chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or feeling like you’re choking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Shaking or sweating
• Hot flashes or chills
• Numbness or tingling
• A sense of doom or fear of dying
• Disconnection from reality or self (derealization/depersonalization)

These episodes typically peak within 10 minutes but can feel much longer. Even after the symptoms pass, panic attacks often leave lasting emotional exhaustion or fear of recurrence.

What Causes Panic Attacks?

Panic attacks can be triggered by identifiable stressors, or they may appear without warning. Common causes include:

• Mental health conditions. Anxiety, PTSD, OCD and phobias
• High stress. Work, finances, family changes or caregiving pressure
• Trauma. Past abuse, car accidents or sudden losses
• Medical issues. Thyroid imbalances, heart issues or medication effects
• Substance use. Stimulants like caffeine or withdrawal from drugs/alcohol

Understanding what’s contributing to your panic attacks is the first step in managing them.

Types of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can take different forms. The two main types are:

• Unexpected panic attacks. Occur suddenly without an obvious trigger. These are common in panic disorder.
• Situational panic attacks. Triggered by specific fears (e.g., public speaking, flying, large crowds). These are common in phobias and social anxiety.

Treatment for Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder

Panic disorder is very treatable, and early help leads to better outcomes. Common treatments include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Helps you reframe catastrophic thinking and reduce avoidance behaviors
• Medication. SSRIs or antianxiety medications prescribed by a provider
• Breathing and relaxation techniques. To manage symptoms as they arise
• Lifestyle changes. Improving sleep, limiting caffeine, exercising and eating a balanced diet
• Support groups. Whether in-person or online, talking to others helps reduce fear and stigma

Many people find a combination of therapy and medication is most effective. You don’t have to choose right away; the first step is just talking to someone.

Panic Attack Statistics

Understanding how common panic attacks are can help reduce feelings of shame or isolation:

• Over 11% of U.S. adults experience a panic attack each year — more than 36 million people
• Panic disorder affects about 2%–3% of Americans annually.
• Women are twice as likely as men to experience panic attacks.
• Worldwide, 264 million people live with anxiety-related disorders.

If you’re one of them, help is available, and it’s closer than you think.

You Deserve Help Without Judgment

Many people avoid asking for help because they’re afraid of being misunderstood or dismissed. But you’re not being dramatic or weak; you’re dealing with something real.

The Mental Health Hotline is here to support you:

• You won’t be tracked or added to a mailing list.
• We’ll never call you back unless you ask.
• You’re free to remain anonymous.
• We’re here to listen, support and guide, never pressure.

Call the Panic Attack Hotline Now

If you’re having a panic attack or living in fear of the next one, don’t wait to reach out. Call (866) 903-3787 now to speak with someone who understands and can help you find relief and local care.

Take the first step toward freedom from fear. Call (866) 903-3787 — free, confidential and available 24-7.