GO TO THE ER NOW
If you are reading this with any of the following, call 911 (US) or 999 (UK) or 112 (EU) immediately. Do not wait:
- Chest pain that is heavy, crushing, or radiating to your arm, jaw, or back
- Severe shortness of breath at rest
- Fainting or feeling like you will faint
- Slurred speech, confusion, or difficulty speaking
- First-ever episode of these symptoms (cannot assume it is anxiety without medical evaluation)
This guidance follows Mayo Clinic and American Heart Association protocols. A chest pain ER visit is the correct call, even if it turns out to be anxiety. See PAG row 17 for full panic attack vs heart attack guidance.
Direct Answer: How Long Does an Anxiety Attack Last
An anxiety attack typically lasts anywhere from 5 minutes to several hours, depending on whether the episode meets the clinical definition of a panic attack (abrupt peak within 10 minutes, resolves in 20 to 30 minutes total) or is a broader anxiety surge (gradual onset, builds over hours, lasts longer, less intensely than panic). The key difference: anxiety attack is colloquial, not a DSM-5 clinical term. "Anxiety attack" describes a wide range of anxiety experiences, from mild worry spikes to severe distress. Because the umbrella is wider than panic, the duration is more variable. Some episodes last 5 minutes. Others last 2 to 3 hours. Symptoms can linger for hours after the acute phase resolves. Per the DSM-5 and Craske (2009), true panic attacks (the most intense anxiety experience) peak around 10 minutes and resolve in 20 to 30 minutes total.
The "Anxiety Attack" Duration Spectrum: Why There Is No Single Answer
"Anxiety attack" is colloquial language. It is not in the DSM-5. Clinically, people use this term loosely for any spike of anxiety, from mild nervousness (5 minutes of worry before a presentation) to severe distress lasting hours (sustained worry after a stressful argument, caffeine excess, or hyperventilation).
This breadth is why duration varies so much.
On one end of the spectrum: A person feels a wave of anxiety (racing heart, dizziness, worry) in response to a stressor. The trigger passes or they ground themselves. The episode resolves in 5 to 10 minutes.
In the middle: A person notices anxiety building gradually (not abruptly), over 15 to 30 minutes. Thoughts spiral (what if my chest pain is cardiac, what if I fail, what if I embarrass myself). The physical symptoms persist: racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness. The episode plateaus for 30 minutes to 1 hour, then gradually declines over another 30 minutes to 1 hour. Total duration: 1 to 2 hours.
On the other end: A person is triggered by a stressor (argument, work crisis, caffeine). Anxiety surges, but does not reach panic-attack intensity. They worry for hours. The physical symptoms wax and wane. Sleep helps. Total duration: 2 to 4 hours or more.
Critical point: This spectrum matches the clinical definition of anxiety (prolonged worry state) more than panic (time-limited acute surge). See PAG row 5 for the panic vs anxiety attack distinction.
If It Meets DSM-5 Panic Attack Criteria: Peak 10 Minutes, Resolve 20 to 30 Minutes
Some people call severe anxiety episodes "anxiety attacks" when they actually meet the clinical definition of panic attack. Knowing the difference helps you understand what to expect.
DSM-5 panic attack definition:
- Abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort
- Peaks within minutes (typically 5 to 10 minutes)
- Includes at least 4 of 13 physical/cognitive symptoms (pounding heart, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, dizziness, tingling, derealization, fear of dying, fear of losing control)
- Total episode: 5 to 20 minutes for peak intensity, 20 to 30 minutes for full resolution
Why this timeline is fixed: Per Craske (2008) and the DSM-5, panic peaks within 10 minutes because adrenaline has a set metabolic curve. The surge cannot sustain:
- Adrenaline is metabolized within minutes by the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO).
- The baroreflex (a blood pressure feedback loop) activates and lowers heart rate automatically.
- Hyperventilation causes respiratory alkalosis (low CO2), which resolves as breathing normalizes.
- The parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest) engages and counters the sympathetic surge.
The wave always passes. It is biology, not failure of character.
If your anxiety episode meets this pattern (abrupt, peaks within 10 min, resolves within 20 to 30 min), you have experienced a clinical panic attack, even if you call it an "anxiety attack." See PAG row 16 (how long does a panic attack last) for full depth. The duration is not variable; it is biologically fixed around 20 to 30 minutes.
If It Is a Broader Anxiety Surge (Sub-Threshold for Panic): Hours-Long, Less Intense
Many "anxiety attacks" people describe do not meet panic criteria. They have some but not all of the physical symptoms. They build gradually instead of abruptly. They persist longer.
These are anxiety surges, not panic attacks.
A person is anxious about a work deadline, a relationship conflict, or health worry. Their body responds with accelerated heart rate, tension, shortness of breath, or dizziness. But the symptoms are less extreme. The onset is gradual (noticed over 10-15 minutes) rather than sudden. The peak is less intense. The duration is longer, sometimes hours.
Why these last longer:
- Gradual onset means the parasympathetic brake is not as forcefully triggered as in abrupt panic.
- The trigger is often ongoing (a stressful situation, persistent worry) rather than time-limited.
- Hyperventilation is less severe, so CO2 normalization takes longer.
- The person may ruminate (repetitive worrying), which keeps the amygdala active and sustains the anxiety.
Duration: 30 minutes to several hours, sometimes waxing and waning until the stressor resolves or the person finds relief (rest, distraction, support, food, water).
If It Is Recurrent or Back-to-Back: Chains of Attacks Across Hours
Some people experience multiple "anxiety attacks" within a short window, creating one long distressed period.
Back-to-back panic attacks: One panic attack peaks and begins to resolve. But then a second one starts before full recovery is complete. This creates a chain: attack 1 (20-30 min) + attack 2 (20-30 min) + attack 3 (20-30 min) = 60+ minutes of continuous or near-continuous panic. The person feels trapped in an endless cycle.
Common in people with untreated panic disorder.
Back-to-back anxiety surges: Anxiety builds, plateaus for an hour, starts to decline, then re-spikes (another stressor, intrusive thoughts, hyperventilation resuming). The person feels they never fully recovered. Total time: 2 to 4 hours or more.
What to do: If you have back-to-back attacks, this is a sign panic is recurrent and anticipatory anxiety is high. You meet criteria for panic disorder (recurrent attacks plus worry or avoidance for 1+ month). Seek CBT-Panic or SSRI/SNRI treatment. Back-to-back attacks are very treatable. See PAG row 15 (panic attack treatment).
If It Is Hyperventilation Prolonging Symptoms: Breathing Pattern Matters
Hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing) during anxiety keeps symptoms alive longer.
Why: Rapid breathing expels CO2 too quickly, causing respiratory alkalosis (high blood pH, low CO2). Low CO2 triggers dizziness, tingling, lightheadedness, and chest tightness. These sensations fuel catastrophic thoughts ("I am having a heart attack"). This restarts the anxiety cycle, prolonging the episode.
As long as breathing stays fast and shallow, the low CO2 effects persist.
What happens: An anxiety surge begins. The person starts hyperventilating without realizing it. Dizziness and tingling start or intensify. They think "This is serious" and breathe faster. The symptoms worsen. The attack lasts 45 minutes, 1 hour, or longer.
How to fix it: Slow exhalation breathing (inhale 4 counts, exhale 6 to 8 counts). Extended exhalation activates the vagus nerve (parasympathetic) and increases CO2 back to normal. Dizziness and tingling resolve within 3 to 5 minutes. The anxiety surge then resolves naturally.
Critical point: If an anxiety attack is lasting longer than expected (45+ minutes), check your breathing. Odds are high you are hyperventilating. Slow breathing down and watch symptoms fade.
Post-Attack Residue: 30 Minutes to Several Hours of Recovery
The acute anxiety or panic has resolved. But the person does not feel immediately normal.
Post-attack symptoms (normal and expected):
- Fatigue or exhaustion (adrenaline and stress hormones crashed)
- Sore muscles, especially chest, jaw, shoulders, neck (clenching during panic)
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Tearfulness or emotional fragility
- Hunger or appetite loss (digestion was shut down)
- Thirst or dry mouth
- Shakiness or trembling (muscles still recovering)
- Urge to sleep
Duration: 30 minutes to several hours, sometimes extending into the next day if the attack was very severe.
This is not the attack continuing. This is recovery. It is your nervous system coming back online. Your muscles relaxing. Your hormone levels normalizing.
What helps: Hydrate (water, electrolytes), eat protein and carbs (repair depleted glucose), rest, do not catastrophize ("I am still anxious because something is wrong" false), acknowledge what happened and move on.
When Duration Is Concerning: Red Flags Warranting Medical Evaluation
Lasting more than 60 minutes without following the typical anxiety or panic arc (building, peak, resolving):
This is unusual and deserves evaluation. Possible causes:
- Back-to-back attacks (one ending, another beginning)
- Colloquial "anxiety attack" that is actually generalized anxiety (not time-limited)
- Hyperventilation prolonging effects (fix: slow breathing)
- Medical event masquerading as anxiety (thyroid storm, arrhythmia, hypoglycemia, pheochromocytoma, pulmonary embolism, withdrawal, stimulant use)
Action: Call your doctor or go to an urgent care or ER. Get an ECG, blood glucose check, thyroid panel, troponin, electrolytes, and complete blood count. Anxiety is a diagnosis of exclusion; rule out medical causes first.
First-ever severe episode or new presentation: If this is your first episode of this type, or your symptoms are very different from your usual pattern, seek medical evaluation. You cannot know if it is anxiety or cardiac without testing.
Persistent chest pain, cardiac-pattern symptoms, or neurological symptoms:
- Chest pain lasting beyond 30 to 60 minutes
- Chest pain that is crushing, heavy, or radiating (classic cardiac pattern)
- Shortness of breath that does not improve with slow breathing
- Confusion, slurred speech, or one-sided weakness (neurological red flags)
- Vision changes or severe headache
- Dizziness with syncope or near-syncope
Go to the ER. These require urgent evaluation, even if you think it is anxiety. See PAG row 17 (panic attack vs heart attack).
What Slows Resolution: Behaviors That Prolong Anxiety Attacks
Understanding what extends an episode helps you avoid these traps.
Continued hyperventilation: Rapid, shallow breathing maintains low CO2 and perpetuates dizziness and tingling. The anxiety keeps cycling.
Fleeing or avoiding the situation: Running away teaches your brain the situation is dangerous. Anticipatory anxiety rises. Next time you encounter a similar context, panic or anxiety is stronger. Avoidance is the enemy of recovery.
Doom-scrolling on your phone: Searching your symptoms online ("chest pain anxiety heart attack"), reading scary posts, seeking reassurance in comments. This keeps your brain in threat mode.
Caffeine, alcohol, or stimulants: Caffeine delays parasympathetic activation. Alcohol causes rebound anxiety. Stimulants (nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines) restart the sympathetic surge.
Reassurance-seeking loops: Asking "Am I okay?", calling a doctor five times, asking friends "Do you think this is serious?" repeatedly. Reassurance soothes for 5 minutes, then doubt returns. This cycle prolongs secondary anxiety on top of the primary attack.
Catastrophic self-talk: Thoughts like "This will never end," "I am dying," "I am going crazy" re-activate the amygdala and re-spike adrenaline. Each spike resets the clock.
Focusing intently on body sensations with catastrophic narrative: Noticing your heart pounding, assuming it is abnormal, watching your heart rate, assuming it will keep rising forever. This amplifies symptoms and extends the episode.
What Speeds Resolution: Skills That Help Anxiety Fade Faster
Understanding these accelerators gives you tools in the moment.
Slow exhalation breathing: Inhale for 4 counts, exhale for 6 to 8 counts. Repeat for 5 to 10 cycles. Extended exhalation activates the vagus nerve, lowers heart rate, and restores CO2. Dizziness and panic often resolve within 3 to 5 minutes (Zaccaro 2018).
Grounding and sensory focus: Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste (5-4-3-2-1 technique). Engages the prefrontal cortex and quiets amygdala hyperactivity.
Staying still and not fleeing: If safe, sit or lie down. Staying in the situation teaches your brain the sensations are not dangerous. This is inhibitory learning, the core mechanism of CBT-Panic (Craske 2008).
Accepting sensations without fighting: The more you struggle against the anxiety ("Stop, go away!"), the longer the amygdala stays active. Accepting ("I feel afraid and it will pass") reduces secondary anxiety and allows faster resolution.
Cold water on wrists or face: Some people find cold water activates the dive reflex and lowers heart rate acutely. Try ice cubes in your hand or splash cold water on your wrists.
Movement (gentle): Walking slowly, stretching, or light movement (not vigorous exercise, which can intensify panic) can help some people shift out of the acute peak.
Safe space or comfort object: A trusted person, a pet, a blanket, a quiet room. Safety signals to your nervous system.
Frequency vs Duration: Panic Disorder Is About Recurrence, Not Individual Attack Length
This is critical to understand because it shifts where treatment focus goes.
Duration = how long one attack lasts (20 to 30 minutes for panic, variable for broader anxiety).
Frequency = how many attacks you have (per week, per month).
Panic disorder (DSM-5 300.01) is defined by:
- Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (at least 2).
- For 1+ months after at least one attack, either:
- Persistent worry about having more attacks, or
- Significant behavioral change (avoidance of places or activities feared to trigger attacks).
Notice: Panic disorder is NOT defined by how long each individual attack lasts.
Example:
- Person A has one 15-minute panic attack per month. Duration per attack is short. They have low frequency. This person does not meet panic disorder criteria (needs 2+ attacks plus anticipatory anxiety).
- Person B has five 20-minute panic attacks per week. Duration per attack is similar to Person A, but frequency is high. Person B has anticipatory anxiety between attacks and avoids certain situations. This person meets panic disorder criteria.
- Person C has twelve 25-minute panic attacks per week. High frequency and anticipatory dread. Clear panic disorder.
Key point: Treatment targets frequency and anticipatory anxiety, not the individual attack duration (which is biologically fixed around 20 to 30 minutes for true panic).
With CBT-Panic (12 to 16 weeks) and SSRI/SNRI, what changes:
- Frequency drops (fewer attacks per week)
- Intensity decreases (less severe symptoms per attack)
- Anticipatory anxiety fades (less dread between attacks)
- Avoidance shrinks (you do not organize your life around panic fear)
What usually does NOT change: The duration of a single attack (still 20 to 30 minutes for panic) because that is determined by adrenaline metabolism, not by treatment. You may still have a 25-minute panic attack, but you will have it twice a month instead of three times a week.
Long-Term: Treatment Changes Frequency and Anticipatory Dread, Not Individual Attack Duration
This is reassuring and clinically important.
If you have recurrent anxiety or panic attacks, CBT-Panic and medication are first-line. Here is what to expect:
Weeks 1 to 2:
- Learn panic physiology (adrenaline curve, why attacks peak and decline).
- Learn breathing and grounding techniques.
- Frequency may not change yet. You still feel the same level of anticipatory anxiety.
Weeks 3 to 6:
- SSRI/SNRI reaches therapeutic level.
- Cognitive restructuring begins (challenging catastrophic thoughts).
- Frequency starts to decline. Attacks feel slightly less intense.
Weeks 6 to 12:
- SSRI/SNRI at full effect.
- Interoceptive exposure is in full swing (deliberately causing mild panic sensations to learn they are survivable).
- Frequency drops significantly. Many people report 50 percent reduction or more.
Weeks 12 to 16:
- Most people see major improvement. Frequency may drop to once a month or less.
- Some stop having attacks entirely.
- Anticipatory anxiety is much lower.
Long-term (month 6 onwards):
- Many people achieve remission or significant reduction.
- If attacks continue, they are much less frequent and you are less afraid of them.
Important: Individual attack duration usually does NOT change much. A person might still have a 25-minute attack, but the emotional impact is different because:
- They know the attack will end (they have survived many).
- They are not catastrophizing about it.
- They are not avoiding situations out of fear.
- Attacks are rare, so the impact on life is minimal.
Per the APA Practice Guideline, this is the expected treatment response for panic.
FAQ: How Long Does an Anxiety Attack Last
Q: Can an anxiety attack last 5 minutes? A: Yes, absolutely. Some anxiety episodes are brief. A person feels a surge of worry or physical symptoms (racing heart, dizziness), but the trigger passes or they use a coping skill, and the episode resolves quickly. If it meets panic criteria (abrupt, intense, 4+ DSM-5 symptoms, peaks within minutes), it would peak within 5 to 10 minutes and resolve within 20 to 30 minutes total. If it is broader anxiety, 5 minutes is normal.
Q: Can an anxiety attack last all day? A: Not as a single continuous panic attack. Panic attacks are time-limited by biology to about 20 to 30 minutes. If you have symptoms lasting all day, this is either: (1) repeated anxiety or panic episodes throughout the day with anticipatory anxiety or worry between them, (2) generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder (both feature sustained anxiety, not acute peaks), (3) rumination or worry spirals triggered by stress, or (4) a medical condition (thyroid disorder, caffeine intoxication, stimulant use, withdrawal). See a doctor for clarification.
Q: What is the longest an anxiety attack can last? A: As a single episode, anxiety surges typically resolve within 2 to 4 hours for broader anxiety. If it is a true panic attack, 20 to 30 minutes for the peak plus any lingering fatigue or emotional residue. If your symptoms are lasting longer than 4 hours, consider: back-to-back attacks, hyperventilation (fix: slow breathing), ongoing stressor (not time-limited), or medical cause. Get evaluated if uncertain.
Q: Why does my anxiety attack feel like it never ends? A: Time distortion is a classic anxiety symptom. During high anxiety, your perception of time slows. A 15-minute episode feels like 45 minutes. Your subjective experience of "forever" does not match the clock. Track your attacks: write down start time and end time. You will see most resolve within 20 minutes to 3 hours, even though it felt much longer. Knowing this can reduce catastrophic thoughts ("This will never end") during the attack.
Q: Can an anxiety attack last 2 hours or 3 hours? A: Yes. If it is a broader anxiety surge (gradual onset, sub-panic intensity), it can persist for 1 to 3 hours as anxiety builds, plateaus, then gradually declines. This is different from a panic attack (20 to 30 minutes fixed). Prolonged anxiety often relates to ongoing stressors (argument, work crisis, health worry), rumination, or hyperventilation. If this is your pattern, CBT (focusing on worry management and cognitive restructuring) and possibly an SSRI can help.
Q: What causes my anxiety attacks to last longer than other people's? A: Several factors: (1) Hyperventilation (rapid breathing maintains low CO2 and symptoms), (2) Rumination (catastrophic thoughts re-activate the amygdala), (3) Avoidance (fleeing the situation teaches your brain it was dangerous, creating anticipatory anxiety that extends the episode), (4) Caffeine or stimulant use (delays recovery), (5) Reassurance-seeking loops (brief relief, then doubt returns), (6) Ongoing stressor (attack is not time-limited because the trigger is not time-limited), (7) Back-to-back attacks (one episode ends, another begins). Identifying which applies to you helps you shorten future episodes.
Q: Do anxiety attacks always last the same length for the same person? A: No. One anxiety episode might last 30 minutes. The next might last 2 hours. Context, stress level, sleep, caffeine, whether hyperventilation occurs, and whether the trigger is present all affect duration. You will likely notice a range rather than a fixed number. Track your own pattern over several episodes to see your typical timeline. Knowing your average ("Most of my anxiety episodes last 1 to 1.5 hours") can reduce catastrophic thinking during the next one.
Q: If my anxiety attack is lasting more than 4 hours, should I go to the doctor? A: Yes, call your doctor or go to urgent care. This is not typical for a single anxiety episode and deserves evaluation. Possible causes include back-to-back attacks, hyperventilation, anxiety from an ongoing stressor, or a medical condition (thyroid disease, hypoglycemia, cardiac arrhythmia, stimulant intoxication, withdrawal, infection, or neurological issue). A doctor can test and clarify. If there are red flags (crushing chest pain, severe dyspnea, fainting, confusion, slurred speech, focal neurological signs), go to the ER immediately.
Related Reading: PAG Posts
- How Long Does a Panic Attack Last: Timeline, Peak Duration, and Post-Attack Recovery (Row 16 PAG)
- Anxiety Attack vs Panic Attack: Why the Distinction Matters for Your Safety and Treatment (Row 5 PAG)
- What Does an Anxiety Attack Feel Like: Symptoms, Triggers, and Reassurance (Row 11 PAG)
- Panic Attack vs Heart Attack: Key Differences and When to Seek Emergency Care (Row 17 PAG)
- How to Calm Down From a Panic Attack: 4-Step Rescue Script and Recovery Guide (Row 13 PAG)
- How to Stop an Anxiety Attack: 4-Step Unified Rescue Script (Row 9 PAG)
- Panic Attack Treatment: First-Line CBT, Medication, and Long-Term Recovery (Row 15 PAG)
- Panic Attack: The Complete Guide to Understanding, Managing, and Recovering (Row 1 PAG)
Tier-1 Medical and Scientific Sources
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Panic Disorder: Facts and Statistics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov. [Panic attack prevalence: 11 percent of US adults experience at least one panic attack per year; 2.7 percent meet panic disorder criteria.]
- American Psychiatric Association (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Panic Disorder diagnostic criteria (300.01). [Clinical definition: panic attack peaks within minutes (typically 5 to 10); panic disorder defined by recurrent attacks plus 1+ month of anticipatory anxiety.]
- Mayo Clinic. Panic Attack and Panic Disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org. [Clinical overview: panic attack symptoms resolve within 20 to 30 minutes; anxiety duration more variable.]
- Cleveland Clinic. Panic Attack and Panic Disorder. https://my.clevelandclinic.org. [Panic attack timeline and physiological basis; anxiety surge characteristics.]
- Harvard Health Publishing. Panic Attacks and Panic Disorder. https://www.health.harvard.edu. [Patient-friendly clinical overview of panic attack duration, anxiety surge differentiation, and recovery.]
- NHS (National Health Service, UK). Panic Disorder and Anxiety Attacks. https://www.nhs.uk. [UK diagnostic and management guidance; duration expectations.]
- American Psychological Association (APA). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Anxiety Disorders. https://www.apa.org. [First-line treatment recommendations: CBT for panic and anxiety; expected treatment timeline and frequency reduction.]
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). Panic Disorder and Anxiety Resources. https://adaa.org. [Patient education, distinction between anxiety and panic, specialist directory.]
Key Research Citations
- Craske, M. G., & Barlow, D. H. (2008). "Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic: Therapist Guide for Anxiety, Panic, and Agoraphobia." Oxford University Press. [Gold-standard CBT protocol for panic; panic attack physiology, natural peak and decline, interoceptive exposure principles, treatment-outcome expectations.]
- Craske, M. G. (2009). "Cognitive-behavioral therapy for panic disorder and agoraphobia." In K. S. Dobson (Ed.), Handbook of cognitive-behavioral therapies (3rd ed., pp. 113-139). Guilford Press. [Panic attack curve, adrenaline metabolism, extinction learning, frequency vs duration distinction.]
- Barlow, D. H. (2002). "Anxiety and Its Disorders: The Nature and Treatment of Anxiety and Panic." Guilford Press. [Theoretical framework for panic physiology; avoidance and catastrophic cognition in panic and anxiety maintenance; inhibitory learning principles; generalized anxiety vs panic differentiation.]
- Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., & Gemignani, A. (2018). "How Breathing Shapes Your Brain." Frontiers in Neuroscience, 12, 353. [Meta-analysis: slow breathing with extended exhale reduces heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety within minutes; vagal activation mechanism.]
- Laborde, S., Moseley, E., & Thayer, J. F. (2018). "Heart Rate Variability and Cardiac Vagal Tone in Psychophysiological Research: Recommendations for Experiment Planning, Data Analysis, and Data Reporting." Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 213. [Physiology of baroreflex, vagal activation, and parasympathetic brake in panic resolution.]
Crisis Support: Call or Text Anytime
You are not alone. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (US): Call or text 988. Available 24/7. Trained counselors listen and help.
- 988 and then press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line): Staffed by veterans, for veterans.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Available 24/7.
- UK: Call 111 and select option 2 for mental health support. Available 24/7.
- UK: Samaritans: Call 116 123. Available 24/7.
- EU: Call 112 for emergency services. Crisis support lines vary by country; findahelpline.com has a directory.
- SAMHSA National Helpline (US): 1-800-662-4357. Free, confidential, multilingual. Referrals to local treatment and support.
- Findahelpline.com: Directory of mental health crisis lines by country and region.
If you believe you are experiencing a cardiac emergency right now, call 911 (US), 999 (UK), or 112 (EU) immediately. Do not delay.
Medical Reviewer: Pending approval by MD or PsyD with anxiety/panic expertise.
Last Updated: 2026-05-04
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of anxiety attacks, panic attacks, or any medical condition. In a medical emergency, call 911 (US), 999 (UK), or 112 (EU) immediately.
