It can be frightening to see a friend having a panic attack.You feel powerless in a situation that seems straightforward.Follow the guidelines to help the episode pass quickly.
Step 1: Understand what they are going through.
People with panic disorder have sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last for several minutes, up to an hour, but rarely over that, because the body simply does not have enough energy to panic for that long.When there is no real danger, panic attacks are characterized by a fear of disaster.A panic attack can happen without warning.The fear of dying may accompany the symptoms in extreme cases.panic attacks can last from 5 minutes to an hour, but they are not life threatening.The person feels that they are not in control of their body when they experience a panic attack.The body is forced to help the victim face or flee from the perceived danger if the mind is preparing for a false fight or flight mode.The heart of a panic attack is when the hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released into the bloodstream.You can't tell the difference between a real danger and the one in your mind.It is real if you believe it.They may act like their life is in danger.If someone held a knife to your throat and said "I'm going to kill you", try to put it in perspective.I will keep you guessing when I'll make a decision.It could be any time now.There has never been a recorded instance of someone dying of a panic attack.They can be fatal if accompanied by pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, or if extreme behaviors result in jumping out of a window.
Step 2: There are symptoms to watch for.
If the person has never experienced a panic attack before, they will be panicked on two different levels.Half the problem is alleviated if you can identify that they're going through a panic attack.Symptoms include: chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, and feeling faint.
Step 3: If this is the first time the individual has experienced this, seek emergency medical attention.
It's always best to get immediate medical attention when you're unsure.If the individual has diabetes, asthma or other medical problems, this is doubly important.The signs and symptoms of a panic attack can be similar to a heart attack.When assessing the situation, do keep this in mind.
Step 4: Find out what caused the attack.
If the individual is having a panic attack and not a heart or asthma attack which would require immediate medical attention, talk to them.They may be able to tell you what's going on if they've experienced it before.A lot of panic attacks don't have a cause or the person panicking is unaware of what's going on.It may not be possible to determine the cause.The person should stop asking if they don't know why.Some things are not for a good reason.
Step 5: Take the individual to a quiet area or remove the cause.
Never leave where you are unless the person asks you to.When someone is having an anxiety attack, they don't feel safe and are not aware of their surroundings, so taking them somewhere without telling them will cause more panic.If you are going to take them somewhere, ask for their permission and tell them where you're going.To keep them safe, take them to a place that's open and calm..Touching the person without asking can make the situation worse.Ask the person with panic disorder if there is anything you can do to help them get through the attack.They might have a place they want to be.
Step 6: Speak in a reassuring but firm manner.
There is a chance of the individual trying to escape.Even though you're fighting an uphill battle, it's important that you remain calm.Ask the individual to remain still, but never grab, hold or even gently restrain them; if they want to move around, suggest that they stretch, do jumping jacks, or go for a walk with you.It's a good idea to organize the closet or other vigorous cleaning up if they're at home.directing the energy toward physical objects and a finite, constructive task can help them deal with the effects of fight or flight.A different activity to focus on may help break the anxiety, while the actual accomplishment may change their mood.Suggest an activity that will help them focus if they aren't at home.Lifting their arms up and down can be done.Their mind will be less focused on the panic once they start getting tired.
Step 7: Don't write off their fears.
"You're overreacting" or "there's nothing to worry about" will make the problem worse.If you can help them cope with the fear, it will make the panic attack worse.Say "it's okay" or "You'll be alright" and then breathe.Life and death threats to the body are emotional threats.It's important to take their fears seriously.If their fears are not grounded in reality and they're reacting to the past, providing some specific reality checks can help.Don doesn't blow up in people's faces over the way Fred used to.He'll probably help by reacting the way he always does.He won't see this as a big deal because it will be over soon.Asking the question in a calm and neutral way, "Are you reacting to what's going on right now or to something in the past?"The panic attack victim may benefit from being able to organize their thoughts.Sometimes people who have been in abusive situations before have strong reactions to real warning signs, so listen and accept whatever answer is given.Asking questions is the best way to support them.
Step 8: Don't say "Calm down" or "There's nothing to worry about".
They will be put on higher alert if they are patronized.It is possible that telling them there's nothing to panic about may remind them of how out of touch they are.Try something like, "I understand that you're upset."That's okay.I'm here to help.It will be over soon, I'm here for you.I know you're scared, but I'm safe with you.It's important that you look at this as an actual problem, like if their leg were cut severely and bleeding heavily.Something very scary for them is what you can't see.They can see the situation from their side of the fence.It's the only way you can help.
Step 9: Don't put too much pressure on the individual.
This is not the time to make the individual do things that will make their anxiety worse.Let them get into a relaxed state by being a calming influence.This will make the attack worse, so don't insist they figure it out.If they spontaneously try to sort it out, listen supportively.Listen and let them talk.
Step 10: Encourage them to control their breathing.
Control of their breathing will help eliminate symptoms and calm them down.Some people hold their breath while others take short, rapid breaths.The reduced oxygen intake will cause the heart to race.Try counting breaths to bring their breathing back to normal.Asking the individual to breathe in and out on your count is one way of helping them to do this.Slowly increase the count to four and six if you can until the breathing has slowed down and is regulated.They should be put into a paper bag.The paper bag should be offered to the individual if they are receptive.If you have had negative experiences with being pushed into the paper bag during previous panic attacks, be aware that it may be atrigger of fear for you.If you're dealing with someone who holds their breath or slows their breathing when they panic, it may not be necessary.If it is necessary, it should be done by alternating ten breaths into and out of the bag, followed by breathing without a bag for 15 seconds.If carbon dioxide levels rise too high and oxygen levels fall too low, there will be more serious medical problems.Blow up a balloon by getting them to breathe in through the nose and mouth.Do this with them.
Step 11: They should be kept cool.
Many panic attacks can be accompanied by warm sensations around the neck and face.A cold object, such as a wet washcloth, can help reduce the severity of the attack.
Step 12: Don't leave them alone.
Stay with them until they recover.If someone is struggling to breathe, never leave them.A person with a panic attack can seem unfriendly or rude, but they should wait until they are back to normal.Ask them if they have taken their medication in the past.You're a distraction for them if you don't feel all that helpful.They wouldn't have anything if they were left alone.Being there helps keep them grounded in the real world.It's frightening to be alone while having a panic attack.If in a public place, make sure people are away from each other.They will only make it worse.
Step 13: Wait a second.
The episode will pass even though it may seem like forever.General panic attacks tend to peak at around ten minutes and get better from there on a slow and steady decline.Smaller panic attacks tend to last longer.The length of time is not an issue because the person will be better at handling them.
Step 14: Seek medical help.
Seek urgent medical advice if the symptoms don't go away in a few hours.If only for advice, make the call even if it's not a life or death situation.The ER doctor is most likely going to give the patient Valium or Xanax to calm the heart and the adrenaline in the body.They may want to seek medical attention if they have had a panic attack for the first time.They may know that getting emergency care will make their state worse if they have had panic attacks in the past.Ask them.The decision will be based on the individual's experience and your interactions with him or her.
Step 15: Assist the person in finding therapy.
A medical professional should treat panic attacks.A good therapist should be able to help the individual figure out what triggered the panic attack in the first place.Allow them to proceed at their own pace if they start it.Let them know that therapy is not for kooks.Millions of people are a part of it.A therapist can prescribe a medication that stops the problem in its tracks.The medication will definitely lower the amount of the attacks.
Step 16: Don't forget to take care of yourself.
You may be guilty of being the one who freaked out during a friend's panic attack, but this is normal.Being alarmed and scared is a good response to seeing one of these episodes.Asking the person if you can talk about it later will help you handle it better in the future.