Phobias: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Use your local urgent mental health service, crisis line, or emergency department.

   Call emergency services if there is immediate danger, such as severe breathing difficulty, loss of consciousness without quick recovery, a serious injury, or chest pain that could have a physical cause.

   Move away from traffic, heights, water, or machinery before trying to manage a panic response.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek urgent help if anxiety is accompanied by thoughts of suicide, self-harm, or being unable to stay safe.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment with a health professional if fear or avoidance is affecting work, education, relationships, health care, travel, or other important activities.

   It is also reasonable to seek help if you spend substantial time planning around a trigger or have repeated panic attacks.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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