Helping Someone who is having a Panic Attack
Millions of people worldwide suffer from panic attacks. That means that millions of friends and family are also affected by them. If you are one of the friends or family, then there are things you can do to help.
First of all, you need to understand what a panic attack is. If this is the first time you have seen someone go through something like this, then it can be frightening for you. The sufferer feels intense anxiety and fear but in fact, there is usually very little or no real threat in the thing that inspires the attack.
For the person going through it, however, the threat seems very real. They feel symptoms such as increased heart rate and palpitations, sweatiness or chills, trembling, dizziness and numbness. The actual symptoms resemble those of a heart attack and that is what that person feels they are having. In many cases, they really do feel as if they are going to die. It is a very intense experience.
So what can you do? You should always seek medical help. As this is the first attack, it's better to rule out anything else it could be such as heart problems or perhaps an asthma attack. This isn't possible straight away however.
First of all, y ou need to talk to the person having the attack in a reassuring manner. Do what you can to calm them down. You shouldn't try and restrain them or force them to do something they don't want to do. If you can, identify the cause of the attack and remove it or take the person away from the place the attack occurred. Sometimes, the trigger for an attack can be an object, sometimes it is a place.
It's very important that you don't belittle their experience. There is no point in telling them not to worry or it's all in their imagination. That doesn't help them in any way. It's much better just to acknowledge what they are going through. Furthermore, don't try and get them to analyze the attack or the causes at that time. This may just increase their anxiety levels.
Breathing and relaxation exercises are very important at this stage. Difficulty in breathing is one of the symptoms of a panic attack and breaths will probably be short and rapid. Maybe you could ask them to breathe in and out while you count, or ask them to breathe as if they are blowing out birthday candles.
If you have access to a wet cloth or handkerchief, then wipe their face and neck in order to cool them down.
It's vital that you don't leave a person having a panic attack alone. They may try to push you away, but stay by their side until the attack is over which should usually be within 15 to 20 minutes. If this is not the first time the person has had a panic attack, then they will have coping strategies already. If not, then you should seek professional advice once the attack is over.
First of all, you need to understand what a panic attack is. If this is the first time you have seen someone go through something like this, then it can be frightening for you. The sufferer feels intense anxiety and fear but in fact, there is usually very little or no real threat in the thing that inspires the attack.
For the person going through it, however, the threat seems very real. They feel symptoms such as increased heart rate and palpitations, sweatiness or chills, trembling, dizziness and numbness. The actual symptoms resemble those of a heart attack and that is what that person feels they are having. In many cases, they really do feel as if they are going to die. It is a very intense experience.
So what can you do? You should always seek medical help. As this is the first attack, it's better to rule out anything else it could be such as heart problems or perhaps an asthma attack. This isn't possible straight away however.
First of all, y ou need to talk to the person having the attack in a reassuring manner. Do what you can to calm them down. You shouldn't try and restrain them or force them to do something they don't want to do. If you can, identify the cause of the attack and remove it or take the person away from the place the attack occurred. Sometimes, the trigger for an attack can be an object, sometimes it is a place.
It's very important that you don't belittle their experience. There is no point in telling them not to worry or it's all in their imagination. That doesn't help them in any way. It's much better just to acknowledge what they are going through. Furthermore, don't try and get them to analyze the attack or the causes at that time. This may just increase their anxiety levels.
Breathing and relaxation exercises are very important at this stage. Difficulty in breathing is one of the symptoms of a panic attack and breaths will probably be short and rapid. Maybe you could ask them to breathe in and out while you count, or ask them to breathe as if they are blowing out birthday candles.
If you have access to a wet cloth or handkerchief, then wipe their face and neck in order to cool them down.
It's vital that you don't leave a person having a panic attack alone. They may try to push you away, but stay by their side until the attack is over which should usually be within 15 to 20 minutes. If this is not the first time the person has had a panic attack, then they will have coping strategies already. If not, then you should seek professional advice once the attack is over.
