Can Anxiety Kill You? What To Do When You Feel Like You're Going to Die From a Panic Attack

Written by Colter Bloxom, LPC

Colter is a licensed psychotherapist and the owner and Executive Director of Thrive Therapy. He specializes in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, identity issues, and more.

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You’re clammy, your heart feels like it’s about to beat out of your chest, and you can’t breathe. You feel dizzy, like you’re about to pass out. Even if you know you’re having an anxiety attack, it’s natural to still wonder: Can anxiety kill me? Am I about to have a heart attack?

The short answer is that no, anxiety itself can’t directly kill you. You’re safe. But it can negatively impact your heart health, so it’s important to get it treated.

Important note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, especially in life-threatening situations. If you’re having new or severe chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or feel like your life is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.

Can you die from anxiety?

If you have anxiety or experience panic attacks, you might have wondered if it can kill you.

You can't die directly from anxiety in the way that you're probably worried about. Anxiety and panic attacks don’t cause your heart to suddenly stop or your body to shut down, even though it can feel that way in the moment. Panic attacks usually last less than 30 minutes. Try to remind yourself that you’re safe in this moment, and that this will pass.

But that doesn't mean that you can’t feel that you’re going to die from anxiety, or that it’s “crazy” for thinking it. Most people who’ve had a severe anxiety or panic attack know that it truly feels, in the moment, like you might pass out or even die.

There are also some more indirect ways in which anxiety can be fatal in the long term. Having chronic anxiety increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. So if you leave anxiety symptoms untreated, then it can actually raise your mortality risk in the long run.

I don’t say this to scare you. Again, if you’re healthy overall, then you’re not going to die because of an anxiety attack. But this is a reminder that anxiety is a real health condition that deserves attention. It’s not something you should just try to “push through” or ignore.

It’s also important to see a medical provider to rule out other conditions. Chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and heart palpitations can overlap with other medical issues. You might have another medical condition like heart or thyroid issues. Getting checked out can give you peace of mind and make sure there’s nothing else going on.

Symptoms of anxiety and panic attack

Even though they aren't going to kill you, anxiety and panic attacks are still extremely scary and uncomfortable. Some signs that you're having one include:

• A racing or pounding heart
• Chest tightness or chest pain
• Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t get enough air
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you might faint
• Sweating, chills, or hot flashes
• Shaking or trembling
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, or face
• Feeling detached from your body or surroundings
• A sudden, intense fear that something terrible is about to happen

Why does it feel like I'm going to die?

If you worry that you're going to die during an anxiety attack, you're not "crazy." The science tells us that it's almost impossible to actually die because of anxiety. But it's not just "in your head." The physical symptoms that come along with anxiety and panic attacks are very real. You're not imagining them.

Many people feel like they're going to die during these attacks because their body is going through such intense and unfamiliar changes. You might feel like there's no way your heart rate can keep up. Hyperventilation can trigger plummeting CO2 levels in your brain, which makes you feel dizzy and lightheaded.

A panic attack may also feel incredibly similar to an actual heart attack, even for people who've experienced heart attacks in the past. You're dealing with an increased heart rate and maybe even numbness or dizziness. The number one reason behind emergency visits for chest pain is a panic attack, not cardiovascular issues.

So, no, you're not being dramatic or "extra" by worrying if your heart might actually stop in these moments. It's a completely normal reaction to the fear of what's happening,

Panic disorder and suicide

One issue does deserve to be discussed, and that's the risk of suicide. The physical symptoms of panic and anxiety alone can't kill you. But research does show that living with an anxiety disorder, including panic disorder (having repeated panic attacks), can put you at a higher risk of dying by suicide. Tragically, anxiety can “kill” you in this sense.

This might be because living with these attacks can cause hopelessness. You might feel like nothing will ever get better. But I’m here to tell you that, through a combination of treatment and other support, most people do start feeling better. There is hope.

If you’re ever having thoughts about hurting yourself or not wanting to be alive, it’s important to reach out for immediate help. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you’re outside the U.S., local emergency services can help connect you with crisis resources.

How to manage anxiety

If you do live with an anxiety disorder, especially if you’ve experienced it for a long time or if it’s severe, then it’s important to address it. Again, even though you’re not likely to die as a direct result of an anxiety attack, it can still very seriously affect your overall health.

Some ways to manage anxiety include:

• Learning grounding, relaxation, and deep breathing exercises to use during panic attacks
• Reducing caffeine and other stimulants, which can worsen anxiety symptoms
• Getting regular sleep, since poor sleep can make anxiety more intense
• Practicing gradual exposure to scary sensations or situations, rather than avoiding them

If you’re feeling like you’re going to die due to panic attack symptoms, your physical safety is most important. Stop driving or walking, and get yourself to a safe place. Tell someone nearby that you’re having an anxiety attack, and whether you want them to call an ambulance for you.

It’s also important to get anxiety treatment. Anxiety doesn’t tend to go away on its own, even though you might think you’re “pushing it down” temporarily. Working with a mental health professional makes a big difference. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common and effective option. At Thrive, we also use dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), among other evidence-based methods. For some people, medication can be very helpful as well, although it's possible to manage severe anxiety without medication.

Treatment doesn’t mean your anxiety disappears overnight. But with the right approach, many people notice fewer attacks and a better sense of control over their lives.

Arizona IOP for severe anxiety disorder

It’s horrible and terrifying to feel like you’re going to die from anxiety. Thrive is here with you every step of the way. A mental health intensive outpatient program (IOP) can provide a higher level of care than weekly therapy alone. Thrive’s Arizona IOP for mental health provides structured, evidence-based treatment while allowing you to live at home and continue many of your daily responsibilities.

Get in touch with us! We can give you more information about the IOP or help you get matched with a therapist who can help. We offer sessions in Phoenix, Glendale, and online.

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