This is immediate. I am having severe anxiety and am not sure I’m going to make it through the night. I am wondering whether or not to go to the emergency room. What happens and will I be admitted to a facility against my will if I’m not suicidal and I’m not a danger to myself or others? Can they give me medication to at least calm down the panic?

Hi- I’m having a moral scrupulosity attack and am feeling so guilty and ashamed of my past behavior that I can’t function. I don’t have any friends or family who can be supportive without getting angry. I also don’t see a therapist because the last one didn’t help and I’m waiting to start NOCD. I feel desperate and like I don’t have any other resources. I just want to go somewhere where I can calm down and “escape” from being all by myself in my head. I am really struggling to distract myself and my self harm urges are getting too strong. I’m just afraid of the consequences.

@Anonymous I know how it feels, last week I was having an anxiety attack like you, I cut myself, the next day i regretted it, the moment and the feeling will pass but the scars wont, dont give into it whatever you do, i know how it feels to want to run away from your head, the first thing you go to is self destruction but DONT, what country do you live in?

@Anonymous Hi Abby- thanks so much, you are a literal life saver! I’m in the US and I live in a state where I know that they take behavioral health really seriously so I could get committed if I say the wrong thing or appear too “distressed”. I’m just wondering what do you do if you can’t go to a hospital and your family refuses to stay with you when you are panicking/ having a crying spell? Do you have any advice on steps to take when you can sense the self- harm urges?

@Anonymous well I'm in the uk so its slightly different with resources to help, but is there any helplines you could call for self harm and suicide?we have the samaritans here idk if you have them in the US too? and for not self harming,have u tried the elastic band thing? where you slap it on your wrist everytime you feel like self harming, or there is an app calm harm,which will help too

if u cant access a helpline I'd watch tv or do something you like that calms you down

Distractions are soo great for me during mine. Gives me something to do and doesn’t let my mind go crazy. Sometimes even doing chores or cooking really helps me. Just do something and don’t let yourself get consumed by the thoughts! You really are okay, it’s just your brain thinking you’re in danger so just tell your brain we’re okay here!