Can I go to the ER for anxiety?

We often associate anxiety with feelings of dread, fear and worry. But anxiety isn’t just emotional — it can feel physical too. When symptoms like chest tightness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath or insomnia become overwhelming, it’s understandable to wonder whether you need emergency care.

At HCA Florida Healthcare, our emergency care teams can quickly assess your condition and provide the right support, from heart and vascular care to mental health and wellness programs throughout the state.

Understanding different types of anxiety

Everyone feels anxious from time to time. But for some, anxiety happens more frequently or more intense throughout the brain and body. Anxiety disorders can interfere with daily life, relationships and overall well-being.

Different types of anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder can disrupt concentration, sleep and daily productivity. It often involves persistent worry about everyday concerns such as health, work or family. Individuals may feel overwhelmed or constantly anticipate worst-case scenarios.
• Panic disorder can involve sudden and unexpected panic attacks, often without a clear trigger. Physical symptoms may include a racing heart, nausea, chills, tingling in the fingers, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
• Social anxiety disorder may prevent individuals from engaging in social activities due to a fear of embarrassment or judgment, especially in crowded places like malls, airports, stadiums, concerts, or movie theaters.
  • Note: This differs from agoraphobia, which involves a fear of being in unfamiliar places or situations where escape or help might be difficult.
• Phobias: There are hundreds of specific phobias that can trigger intense anxiety responses. Examples include:
  • Acrophobia — fear of heights
  • Selective mutism — difficulty speaking in certain situations
  • Separation anxiety — fear of being apart from loved ones

ER for anxiety: Symptoms you should have checked out

In more extreme cases, anxiety can lead to suicidal ideation. If you’re having thoughts of harming yourself, it’s important to seek immediate emergency care. With nearly 200 hospitals, standalone emergency care centers (ERs) and urgent care centers conveniently located across the state, we ensure you’re never far from the treatments you need.

If you’re experiencing a panic attack, you may have symptoms that feel like a medical emergency. If you’ve been diagnosed with a panic disorder, you may be familiar with how a panic attack feels and how long it lasts (typically five to 20 minutes). But if you’ve never had one, you may wonder if you’re having a heart attack or a collapsed lung.

Seek emergency care if you’re experiencing these symptoms for the first time and you’re not sure of the cause:

• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Dizziness or fainting
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness

If these symptoms feel different from previous panic attacks — or if you're unsure what's causing them — it's always safest to seek medical attention. 

ER treatment for anxiety attacks

If you go to the ER for anxiety, and you’re experiencing intense physical symptoms, you may be given a sedative to help you relax. You’ll likely also need some tests to rule out more serious conditions. These may include an EKG to check heart rhythm, blood tests or a chest X-ray to assess your heart and lung function.

If your symptoms are confirmed as a panic attack, your doctor may recommend follow-up care with a primary care provider or mental health specialist for follow-up care and support. 

When to talk to your doctor about anxiety

Some people experience one panic attack and never have another. But others have repeated panic attacks, which could indicate a panic disorder. A doctor or therapist can diagnose panic disorder and create a personalized treatment plan to keep panic attacks at bay.

You don’t need to wait for a panic attack to seek help. There are lots of things your doctor can suggest to help you treat and prevent anxiety, including breathing techniques, therapy and medication. 

Talk to your doctor about anxiety if you have:

• Anxiety that’s affecting your work or relationships
• Difficulty sleeping
• Exhaustion
• Shortness of breath that feels tied to stress or worry
• Family history of mental health conditions
• Use of alcohol or drugs to calm down
• Recent pregnancy
• Persistent worry or stress

How to manage your anxiety at home

If anxiety is interfering with your daily life, it’s important to talk to a doctor. But there are also steps you can take at home to ease symptoms:

• Avoid alcohol and prohibited drugs
• Be aware of triggering situations
• Cut back on caffeine
• Eat healthy foods
• Prioritize sleep
• Stay active
• Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation
• Visit friends and family
• Write in a journal
• Do not self-medicate

At HCA Florida Healthcare, we’re here to help, whether we see you in one of our emergency care centers, at a scheduled appointment or virtually from home. You don’t have to navigate anxiety alone. We’re with you every step of the way.

Still need guidance?

Our Consult-A-Nurse® line offers free, 24/7 support. Call (844) 70-NURSE (844-706-8773) for expert advice — no judgment, just help.