What to do if someone is having a panic attack
Panic attacks are a type of fear response. They’re an exaggeration of your body’s normal response to danger, stress or excitement.
Seeing someone you love having a panic attack can be scary, especially if it’s never happened before and you don’t know what to do.
Here are some things you can try to help them work through the panic attack.
Do:
- Try to stay calm.
- Gently let them know you’re there for them.
- Encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply.
- Do something structured or repetitive they can focus on, like counting out loud or asking them to watch while you gently raise your arm up and down.
- Encourage them to stamp their feet on the spot.
- Encourage them to sit somewhere quietly where they can focus on their breath until they feel better.
Don’t:
- Get them to breathe into a paper bag. This isn’t recommended and might not be safe.
For more information…
You can find more information about anxiety and panic attacks on the Mind website.
(Source: Mind)
Author: Stewart Gillespie
Posted on: 22nd August 2022
