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:

  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
    SAMHSA provides resources to promote good mental health and support treatment and recovery. The organization offers a dedicated hotline that provides confidential assistance 24/7. The hotline is mostly used for treatment referrals and the provision of valuable information. To find help in a location near you:

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
    NAMI offers tailored resources and support for people with mental illnesses and their families. The organization also offers services based on demographic specifications such as women, people of color, adolescents, and LGBTQ+ support. Contact NAMI through:

  • Crisis Text Line
    If you prefer communicating your issues through text messages, Crisis Text Line has you covered. It offers support through text messaging 24/7, including the wee hours of the night. To get connected, simply text 741741 and a live counselor will respond and help you during a panic attack.
  • 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 typically an episode of absolute terror. A person feels such intense fear or anxiety that they cannot function. The feelings are accompanied by physical effects that can be debilitating. People who experience these have said it felt like a heart attack. Symptoms can be very severe and feel life-threatening. They include:

  • Feelings of intense fear
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
  • Feeling as though you’re choking
  • Chest pain
  • Rapid heartbeat as well as heart palpitations
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • A feeling of impending doom
  • After effects that make it hard to sleep

Panic attacks have long-lasting effects that continue even after the attack itself seems to be over. Because of this, a person who has experienced a panic attack may be debilitated or suffer continuing problems even when he or she doesn’t seem to have any more symptoms. For example, sleeplessness may occur as the person replays the episode over and over in their head.

Other health disorders often accompany panic attacks. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders and other issues are often part of the picture. Substance abuse may often be a byproduct of these conditions as people will self-medicate to numb or alleviate their pain.

Panic Attack Statistics

There is nothing to be ashamed of about your panic disorder. After all, you are not the only one tackling the issues. Several studies reveal millions of other people worldwide experience episodes each day. Here are a few panic attack statistics to be aware of:

  • Each year 11% of people in the U.S. experience a panic attack at some point in their lives. This translates to slightly over 36 million people.
  • 2-3% of Americans experience panic disorder in a given year
  • Panic attacks are twice as common in women as in men
  • About 3.6 % or 264 million individuals worldwide have an anxiety disorder

What Can Cause Panic Attacks?

A panic attack is a disorder where an individual has regular and sudden attacks of panic or fear. Although everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times, a person with panic disorder experience symptoms quite regularly and at any time, often for no apparent reason. Here are some of the causes of panic attacks:

  • Psychological causes: A combination of psychological issues such as chronic stress, low self-esteem, PTSD, OCD and phobias can trigger attacks.
  • Environmental causes: Chronic physical illnesses like cancer and impactful changes in life, such as losing a job or a romantic relationship breakdown, can trigger panic attacks.

Types of Panic Attacks

Panic attacks can feel different in their intensity and how long they last. There are generally two main types of panic attacks:

  • Unexpected panic attacks: These are the most common type. They occur without any warning or reason. People usually experience a sudden surge of fear and anxiety accompanied by symptoms like rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating and trembling.
  • Situation-bound panic attacks: These types of panic attacks are generally triggered by a specific situation or experience, such as crowds or public speaking.

Can Panic Attacks Be Treated?

A panic attack is entirely treatable, and one can fully recover. However, to increase your chance of full recovery, you need to seek medical help as soon as possible. Ignoring the need for help will only make your issue very difficult to cope with. Common treatments for panic attack disorder include:

  • Talking therapies
  • Medicine
  • Referral to specialist

Get the Help You Deserve

No matter the severity of your condition, it is crucial to remember panic attack is treatable. However, the fear of stigma can prevent us from seeking timely help. With dedicated panic attack hotlines, you can confidently seek help from experts and receive encouragement and referrals in a safe, non-judgmental environment. If you need immediate help, the National Mental Health Hotline is an excellent place to start. Call 866-903-3787 now.