Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people, and while many individuals manage their symptoms with therapy, medication and lifestyle changes, there are times when anxiety can become overwhelming and unmanageable. In such cases, hospitalization may be necessary to ensure safety and provide immediate care. At Tapestry, a women-only mental health treatment center, we often receive questions from individuals who wonder whether their anxiety could warrant hospitalization. In this blog, we’ll explore the circumstances under which someone might be hospitalized for anxiety and what to expect from that experience. 

When is Hospitalization for Anxiety Necessary? 

Not all cases of anxiety require hospitalization. In fact, most people with anxiety disorders manage their symptoms with outpatient care, including therapy and medication. However, there are situations in which hospitalization becomes necessary. These are typically cases where anxiety severely impacts an individual’s ability to function or poses a risk to their safety or the safety of others. Here are some circumstances where hospitalization might be considered: 

1. Severe Panic Attacks: Panic attacks can be debilitating, causing intense fear, shortness of breath, chest pain and an overwhelming sense of doom. While many people experience panic attacks without needing hospitalization, frequent, prolonged or extremely severe attacks may require immediate medical intervention, particularly if the individual cannot calm down or is in danger of hyperventilating. 

2. Suicidal Thoughts: Individuals with anxiety, especially those with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may experience periods of deep despair and hopelessness. If anxiety leads to suicidal thoughts or plans, hospitalization is crucial to provide a safe environment and prevent self-harm. 

3. Inability to Function: Anxiety can interfere with daily life, but in some cases, it becomes so overwhelming that a person is unable to carry out basic tasks, such as eating, sleeping or taking care of themselves. When anxiety reaches this level of severity, hospitalization may be needed to stabilize the individual and provide immediate care. 

4. Co-occurring Disorders: Anxiety often coexists with other mental health conditions, such as depression, substance use disorders or eating disorders. When these co-occurring conditions become unmanageable and contribute to a decline in mental health, hospitalization may be required to address the complex nature of the individual’s needs. 

What to Expect from Hospitalization for Anxiety 

If hospitalization is recommended for anxiety, it’s important to know that the goal is to stabilize your condition and ensure your safety. Hospitalization provides a structured environment where you can receive round-the-clock care, access to mental health professionals and medication if needed. Here’s what you can expect during an inpatient stay: 

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Upon admission, a team of mental health professionals will assess your symptoms to determine the severity of your anxiety and any other contributing factors. This helps create a personalized treatment plan. 

• Medication Management: For individuals who may benefit from medication, the hospital stay allows doctors to monitor the effectiveness of any prescribed drugs and adjust dosages as needed. 

• Therapy and Support: Group and individual therapy sessions are often part of the treatment process during hospitalization. These sessions help individuals understand their anxiety, learn coping strategies and build resilience. 

• Discharge Planning: Before leaving the hospital, you’ll work with your care team to develop a discharge plan, which may include follow-up outpatient therapy, medication management and support groups to ensure continued recovery. 

How Tapestry Can Help 

At Tapestry, we specialize in providing mental health care for women, including those struggling with severe anxiety. Whether you need outpatient care, counseling or guidance about whether hospitalization is the right step, our team is here to offer compassionate support and help you navigate your mental health journey. 

While not every case of anxiety requires hospitalization, there are times when anxiety becomes so severe that hospitalization is necessary for safety and stabilization. If you’re struggling with unmanageable anxiety, suicidal thoughts or panic attacks, don’t hesitate to seek help. At Tapestry, we provide the care and support women need to manage anxiety and find lasting healing.