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Warning-sign checks

Generalized anxiety disorder: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call your local emergency number or go to an emergency department if there is immediate danger.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the professional managing your care promptly if symptoms become much worse after starting or changing medication, side effects are hard to manage, or you are considering stopping treatment.

    Do not stop regular medication suddenly unless urgent medical advice tells you to do so.

    Seek urgent mental health or medical help if you:

    • Have thoughts of suicide or self-harm
    • Feel unable to keep yourself or someone else safe
    • Are extremely distressed, confused, or unable to care for basic needs
    • Have severe symptoms after abruptly stopping alcohol, sedatives, or anxiety medicine

    Chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, fainting, or new neurological symptoms also need urgent medical assessment rather than being assumed to be anxiety.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if worry has lasted for weeks or months, feels difficult to control, or is affecting sleep, work, education, relationships, or daily tasks.

    It is also reasonable to seek help for ongoing physical symptoms that may be related to anxiety, especially if their cause is unclear.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Generalized anxiety disorder. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.