Should You Go to Urgent Care or the Emergency Room for a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks. These sudden bursts of extreme anxiety and fear plague many people who suffer from anxiety disorders. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, an estimated 40 million adults in the United States have anxiety disorders. That's a little over 18% of the U.S. population as a whole.
While most people have heard of panic attacks, not everyone has experienced them firsthand. For this reason, it can be difficult to recognize the attacks as they’re happening, either in yourself or other people. Some people may go their whole lives without ever experiencing a panic attack. They're one of the lucky ones. Others might have experienced them in the past, but lack the knowledge to determine when this health issue has occurred.
That is why it's important to know what a panic attack looks and feels like. More importantly, it's vital that you know how to get the support you need. Here are some of the top things you should know about panic attacks and what you should do when you or a loved one is struck with this condition.
What is a panic attack?
A panic attack can take many forms but it's typically described as a physical response to intense feelings of stress, anxiety, or fear when there is not an actual threat posed to the individual. In some cases, panic attacks occur because of a traumatic event or as an anticipatory reaction; for example, people who are scared of flying might worry about an upcoming flight, triggering a panic attack before take-off. In other cases, feelings of stress can simply come to a head and trigger a fight or flight reaction.
While panic attacks are not life-threatening, they can feel incredibly worrisome to the person experiencing the attack. Here are the most common symptoms someone might experience during a panic attack:
Racing heart and shortness of breath
Chest pain (which can make the person feel like they're having a heart attack)
Feeling like they have lost control
Fearing sudden death
Sweating, nausea, and headaches
Trembling, shaking, and chills
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Keep in mind that these symptoms vary from person to person and there isn't always a trigger to inspire these sudden feelings. As such, it can be hard to tell whether the person is undergoing a panic attack or urgent health crisis.
When you should go to the doctor, an urgent care clinic, or the emergency room
It's not uncommon for people suffering from a panic attack to fear death. After all, the sudden heart palpitations and chest pain can make many people think they're having a heart attack. If you are experiencing a panic attack for the first time, Webmd recommends that you go to the emergency room to be sure that it isn't a serious health issue. There, a doctor will be able to determine if you're experiencing something life-threatening, like a blood clot or heart attack. When it comes to your health, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
If it’s the first time and you don’t know what’s happening, the emergency room is the right choice.
Should the ER doctor determine that you're suffering from a panic attack, they will encourage you to visit your primary care physician or a local urgent care center like these in Washingon State. (Editor’s note: Indigo Urgent Care actually put together this guide for us). At an urgent care center, you can expect a physician to go over your mental health concerns and offer advice regarding the next steps you can take. In most cases, this will be a referral to a mental health professional, like a psychiatrist or a psychologist.
If you know you're having a panic attack, visiting your doctor or an urgent care center can also be a vital resource to help get you through the episode. For some people, simply knowing a medical professional is near can help them feel at ease to help the attack subside.
What to do when you're experiencing a panic attack
If you know that you're having a panic attack, practicing relaxation techniques is one of the best ways to calm its effects. Deep breathing exercises and grounding activities can help distract you from the feelings of panic. You might also want to rely on a friend to help distract you.
Keep in mind that most panic attacks usually subside within 30 minutes. Should this episode last even longer, seeking medical attention is advised for a more serious condition.
At the end of the day, your health is the most important thing. Panic attacks are becoming increasingly common since more people are suffering from anxiety but it isn't always easy to tell when you're having an episode. Rely on the help of your doctors and mental health professionals to keep your health in check.