how to help someone that is having a panic attack
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In the last issue we talked about the effects of panic attacks, so that you could gain a better understand of them. In this issue we are going to talk about how to help someone that is having a panic attack.
As we discussed in the last issue, panic attacks often occur to anyone without warning. So whenever someone has an attack, it is important that you know what to do.
We also know from our last issue, during an attack, a person may experience many different symptoms including and increased heartbeat or palpitation, chest pain, hyperventilation or shortness of breath and so on.
If a person is experiencing an attack for the first time it is importantto seek emergency medical help as quickly as possible.
You will want to identify the cause of the symptoms and rule out more life threatening conditions as soon as possible. Keep in mind that hyperventilation or shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma. Chest pain, increased heartbeat or palpitation and sweating can be a heart attack.
That is why it is important to talk to the person and determine if the symptoms are caused by other medical conditions. When in doubt, seek out a qualified health care professional.
While waiting for help do your best to find the cause of attack.
Once you have established the cause or trigger of the panic attack, take the person away from it.
Don’t make an assumption about what the person needs. A person who is suffering from an attack may know exactly what to do or have medications which will get them through the attack, so it is best to ask.
Don’t surprise or startle the person having an attack. Be predictable with your movements. Don’t grab, hold or restrain them during the attack. Remain calm and keep them as calm as possible.
Reassure the person that everything is going to be fine, but don’t dismiss their fear by saying “it’s all in your mind” or “don’t worry about it” or “you are overreacting.” Take note that the fear is very real to the victim, so it dismissing the fear has no effect and can even make the matter worse.
Help them to control their breathing. Many people breathe heavily during an attack; others hold their breath. Using deep breathing technique is a very effective way to purge the symptoms of a panic attack as well as calm the patient down.
Guide the person and tell them to breathe in for 3 slow counts. Then ask them to hold their breath for 3 slow counts and breathe out for another 3 slow counts. Do this several times until the person is calm.
You can also advice them to breathe into a paper bag. This way, they will re-breathe their carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide helps correct the blood acid level that had been disturbed by excessive breathing. But be careful when using paper bags since they may trigger another fear.
Stay with the person throughout their ordeal. Never leave a person especially if he is having difficulty in breathing. Be patient, they may act rude or unfriendly, but remember that it is temporary and they will go back to normal as soon as the attack is over.
Don’t forget that for the person, the thoughts and feeling are real. Reassure them that help is on the way. Never allow them to do
things that will put their life at risk.
Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about some different ways that you can handle an anxiety attack.
