Support From The Anxiety Hotline
- For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, please contact the hotline: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- For those experiencing abuse, please contact the hotline: Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- For those experiencing substance use, please contact the hotline: SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Anxiety hotline
When anxiety symptoms become overwhelming, it can feel good to talk to someone. Through an anxiety hotline, you can connect with a caring, compassionate person who can help you calm down and get the help you need. Here, you’ll find a selection of the most trusted mental health hotlines in the US so you can find the one you need.
You’ll also find a practical step-by-step guide to managing anxiety and panic attacks in the moment, so you’ll always have a plan for getting through these distressing moments. While anxiety can feel overwhelming, know that help is available if you need it. Read on to learn how to connect with both immediate and long-term support.
What to expect from an anxiety helpline
When you reach out to an anxiety hotline, you can expect immediate support from trained professionals and volunteers who understand anxiety disorders and other mental health issues. The hotline professionals might ask questions aimed at helping you better understand the source of your feelings and walk you through some basic exercises to help you calm down and center yourself.
Whether you need guidance for yourself or support for a loved one, anxiety hotlines are equipped to offer compassionate and knowledgeable assistance at any time of the day.
5 trusted anxiety helplines
These anxiety and mental health hotlines are staffed by caring individuals who are equipped to help you navigate your current situation and find actionable, long-term solutions for anxiety relief.
Crisis Text Line
The Crisis Text Line offers support via text message 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To connect with a live, trained counselor, text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S.
Note that a mental health crisis does not necessarily mean you are considering harming yourself or others—rather, the definition of crisis is wide-ranging, including overwhelming stress, anxiety, or panic attacks. If you’re experiencing an acute episode of anxiety, the Crisis Text Line can be a valuable source of support when feeling anxious.
SAMHSA National Helpline
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a hotline that provides free support for those dealing with anxiety or mental and/or substance use disorders. Call the hotline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to connect with a trained counselor.
NAMI HelpLine
The NAMI HelpLine is available to support callers Monday through Friday, 10 AM through 10 PM ET, via phone call, text, email, or live chat.
The NAMI HelpLine is a more general hotline resource that can assist you with anxiety and other mental health conditions. NAMI hotline staff and volunteers are experienced and highly trained to offer support and counseling whether dealing with anxiety or other symptoms. They may be able to provide additional resources and contacts for local assistance for anxiety as needed.
Local support
Many states and locales have crisis hotlines to help those experiencing anxiety and other mental health struggles. To find anxiety and mental health support near you, simply search for a mental health hotline in your city, county, or state.
Teen Line
Whether you need anxiety help as a teen or would like to connect your adolescent child with help, Teen Line can be an excellent resource. This hotline is available via call, email, or text and is operated by other teens.
Immediate help for anxiety
Whether you’re experiencing a panic attack, severe anxiety, or are in the midst of a stressful period or life event, the racing thoughts and physical symptoms of anxiety that arise can be distressing and overwhelming. Here are some tips for when you need support for anxiety symptoms:
Recognize the signs
First, it might help to familiarize yourself with the symptoms of anxiety attacks and panic attacks. As soon as you begin to notice symptoms of anxiety, it’s advisable to take immediate steps to manage your symptoms such as dialing the anxiety helpline or getting in touch with experts through various mental health services. Here’s what to look for:
- Anxiety attacks are characterized by acute symptoms of anxiety, such as intense worry, restlessness, and physical symptoms like increased heart rate and sweating. These episodes tend to be quite severe; however, they are distinct from panic attacks in that they tend to be linked to an immediate concern.
- Panic attacks are sudden episodes of intense fear that trigger severe physical reactions when there is no real danger or apparent cause. Symptoms of panic attacks include heart palpitations, chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and a sense of impending doom. Panic attacks are a defining characteristic of panic disorder.
Practice relaxation exercises
For both anxiety and panic attacks, relaxation exercises can be a vital tool for calming your body and clearing your mind. There are a number of methods to choose from, including deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided imagery, each of which is known to be beneficial for anxiety and stress relief.
Use grounding techniques
While anxiety can lead us to stress over the past or future, grounding techniques offer an effective way to tether you to the present and help you move through anxious thoughts.
Access a crisis text line
With a moment to yourself, you’ll be in a good position to reach out for support. If your anxiety symptoms don’t abate, you might consider calling a friend, family member, or hotline to discuss anxious thoughts.
Online therapy for anxiety
If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety alone, it may be worth seeking professional help with a licensed therapist. Through BetterHelp, you can match with a therapist who specializes in treating anxiety. In weekly virtual or phone sessions, you’ll learn to identify and minimize your triggers and develop practical coping skills for managing anxiety symptoms.
Research has consistently found online therapy to be just as effective as in-person therapy, and with additional tools and features like group sessions, digital therapy worksheets, educational webinars, and prompted journaling, you can make progress with your anxiety symptoms faster and get the most out of your time in therapy.
Takeaway
Who can I call and what mental health services can I reach out to when I have anxiety?
When you have anxiety, there are a number of mental health services you can call. For example, you can call the National Alliance on Mental Illness Hotline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). You can also use the text messaging service at the Crisis Text Line by texting the word HOME to 741741. The Crisis Text Line also offers free support through online chat. It may also help to search for local resources for individuals experiencing anxiety or other mental health disorders. There may also be community based organizations for mental health in your area.
Can I call a helpline or get support from a crisis text line for stress and anxiety?
You can always call someone to help with stress and anxiety. For example, the Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 at 866-903-3787. For more information about getting help with stress and anxiety, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Can I phone 111 for mental health support?
In the UK, you can call 111 if you need help urgently but it’s not an emergency. A nurse or mental health nurse may be available to advise you over the phone.
Can I call 911 for a mental illness like depression or anxiety?
While many cases of anxiety don’t necessitate emergency care, if you’re experiencing sudden physical symptoms you’ve never felt before, you may benefit from calling 911. There are other hotlines available for those experiencing an anxiety disorder or other mental illness.
Can I go to the ER for anxiety or depression or is it better to call the anxiety hotline?
If you are experiencing thoughts of hurting yourself, you can go to the ER. There is help available regardless of whether you have anxiety or depression. If you are not in danger of hurting yourself or others, it may be better to contact a hotline for people with anxiety.
How long does anxiety last, according to a therapist?
There are various types of anxiety disorders, and their duration can vary from person to person, according to a therapist. Levels of anxiety can also vary, ranging from feeling nervous or feeling restless to panic attacks. Some people experience general anxiety that improves with treatment. Other people have anxiety in certain situations, such as experiencing social phobia in social contexts or other specific phobias. Also, some people experience panic attacks, which typically peak in 10 to 20 minutes.
How do you handle panic attacks?
Panic attacks can be intense, but there are ways to minimize their effects. For example, some people who experience panic disorder use grounding techniques, which typically involve focusing on the present moment. Some people focus on their sensations, such as what they hear, touch, or smell around them. Some people take deep slow breaths and hold them in for a few seconds before exhaling. Others find it helpful to run cool water over their hands to ground themselves in the moment. Sometimes people experiencing a panic attack think they are having a heart attack. If you think you are having a heart attack, don’t hesitate to call 911.
What causes anxiety?
Anxiety disorders can be caused by a mix of genetics and environment. If someone has a family history of anxiety or other mental illnesses, such as generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, they may be at higher risk. Also, chronic stress and trauma may also increase a person’s risk of anxiety. For some people, a health condition can lead to symptoms of anxiety, as can certain substances. The National Institute of Mental Health lists information on various anxiety disorders.
Can you get hospitalized for anxiety?
Some people are hospitalized for severe anxiety, but there are common treatments available that may prevent anxiety from becoming this extreme. Aside from speaking with a licensed counselor, you may benefit from support groups dedicated to those experiencing anxiety. It may also help to lean into your emotional support system, including friends and family.
Should I seek counseling or contact my doctor for anxiety?
You might consider contacting your doctor and seeking counseling for anxiety. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe medication and/or recommend a therapist for anxiety. Therapy for common mental health disorders is sometimes covered by health insurance. Call your provider to find out what your benefits are.
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