Chest pain, trouble breathing, sudden weakness on one side, a fit or heavy bleeding needs help now, not an appointment.

112Any emergency108Ambulance102Pregnancy and newborn
Check a symptomManage a conditionHealth calculatorsUnderstand a lab reportFirst aid
Mind and wellbeing

Anxiety or panic

Also called anxiety, panic, ghabrahat, tension, worry

What it meansSafe at homeDo not doSee a doctorWarning signs

What this means

Anxiety is the body's natural response to stress, but when worry becomes constant or intense, or comes as sudden panic attacks, it can affect daily life and is very treatable.

Safe to do at home

  • Practice slow, deep breathing during anxious moments
  • Keep a regular routine of sleep, meals and activity
  • Reduce caffeine, which can worsen anxiety
  • Talk to someone you trust

Please do not do this alone

  • Do not use alcohol or tobacco to calm down
  • Do not take sleeping pills or sedatives on your own
  • Do not avoid every situation that makes you anxious, as this can deepen the fear

Book a consultation if

  • Anxiety interferes with work, studies or relationships
  • You have frequent panic attacks
  • Worry feels constant and hard to control

Get help immediately if

  • Chest pain or severe breathlessness, which should be checked to rule out a heart problem
  • Any thoughts of harming yourself, please seek immediate help from a doctor, the Tele MANAS helpline 14416, or a trusted person

The right doctor for this

Psychiatrist

This is the specialist who sees this symptom most often and can examine you properly. If you are not sure, a general physician is always a safe place to start and will refer you onward if you need it.

Consult a PsychiatristStart with a General Physician

Get care for this

Doctors and care for anxiety or panic

Verified Teleprac doctors you can see online or in a clinic, lab tests with home sample collection, and genuine medicines delivered to your door.

Shop Stress RelieversDelivered home. Please take medicines only as your doctor advises.
See all symptoms

How to use this page. It explains what a symptom usually means, so that you can decide whether to watch it, book a consultation or get help now. It does not diagnose you, it does not know your age, your pregnancy or your other medicines, and it cannot replace being examined. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own.

Consult a doctorPsychiatrist

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Emergency numbers in India

Save these in your phone now, not when you need them. Tap any number to call it.

112Any emergencyOne number for police, fire and ambulance across India108AmbulanceFree emergency ambulance in most states and union territories102Pregnancy and newbornAmbulance for mothers and babies in most states14416Mental health supportTele MANAS, free counselling every hour of the day, many languages1800 116 117Poisoning or overdoseNational Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi1098Child in distressChildline India, free and confidential

Where to read more

Public health sources written for patients rather than for doctors, and kept up to date.

Ministry of Health and Family WelfareOfficial Indian health programmes, advisories and public guidanceWorld Health Organization health topicsGlobal fact sheets written for the public, on hundreds of topicsNHS health A to ZPlain language pages on symptoms, conditions, tests and treatmentsMedlinePlusPatient information from the United States National Library of MedicineTele MANASIndia's national mental health support service, free and available all day

Important: Everything in Teleprac patient resources is general health education. It does not give you a diagnosis and it cannot replace examination by a qualified doctor, because it does not know your age, your reports, your pregnancy or the other medicines you take. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine on your own. Teleprac Healthcare is not liable for decisions made on the basis of this information. In an emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital immediately.