Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for anxiety. Anxiety can make them feel very worried. It can also cause physical symptoms like chest pain, stomach aches, or trouble sleeping.
While mild anxiety is a normal response to stress, it can cause problems in your child's everyday life. They might need follow-up care to help manage their anxiety.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Set up an appointment for your child to talk with a counselor or therapist about their worries and feelings. This can help them manage their anxiety.
●Help your child take all their medicines as instructed.
●Limit how much caffeine your child drinks.
●Help you child learn ways to manage stress. Relaxation methods like reflection, deep breathing, and muscle relaxation can help. Things like yoga, exercise, and tai chi are also good.
●Encourage your child to talk about their feelings with you and other family members and friends they trust.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You think your child might harm themselves or someone else. In the US, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
-To speak to someone, call or text 988.
-To talk to someone online, go to chat.988lifeline.org.
●Return to the ED if your child:
•Has any physical symptoms that could be signs of a serious problem, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe belly pain
•Is feeling anxious all or most of the time and cannot be consoled
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Other people, such as teachers, are worried about your child.
●Your child is short of breath.
●You think your child cannot be alone, or you think you cannot be alone with your child.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Anxiety in children and teens (The Basics)
Patient education: Generalized anxiety disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Social anxiety disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Panic disorder (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping with worry and stress (The Basics)
Patient education: Coping in times of crisis (The Basics)
