Saturday, 1 December 2012

How can you help someone with panic attack

Understanding Panic Attack

Understanding what is panic attack in the first place – Panic attack is a sudden attack to a person of an extreme fear, terror or phobia of something that is which actually not happening. Panic attack can come without any sign or warning but the symptoms are listed in this blog site. Panic attack is not life threatening and it last about 10 to 20 minutes, take note that sign of this attack are very similar to an heart attack which we earlier discussed about it that people can sometime mistaken panic attack for an heart attack. But if the panic attack are related or caused by serious medical health problems such as asthma, tachycardia or similar to it, it can lead to death. But not to worry in this as there is no report so far any death from the panic attack.

For the first time any individual experiences this, it is better to seek immediate medical attention.

For any first time experience, it will create a doubt of what actually the attack is. It could be heart attack or a panic attack, so when in doubt, seek immediate medical help. Do not hesitate to call for help if required, as you are not sure what the case of the sudden heart beats fast is and palm gets wet.

Know the root cause of the attack

Try to communicate with the person if the attack is a panic attack or he or she needs immediate medical attention for any other attack that might occurred. When you communicate and talk to the person, be very gentle and ask the specific question of the cause. Do not try to break any conversation of long talk.

Identify if there’s a cause for the fear and if it is, then bring the person away from the environment to more a calmer place.

Removing the person with the panic attack from the area that causes him or her to trigger the fear could ease the situation. The person with the disorder will may have any techniques that they practice when panic attacks and you could gently ask them if there’s anything you can do to assist them.


Do not snub their attack and condition by comforting phrase such as ‘there’s nothing to worry about’ or ‘it’s all in your mind’

Always remember, for anyone who have the panic attack the fear and terror are real to them. And telling them that everything is going to be ok or fine is not going to help or make things easier but it would only cause more stress to them. Just simple say ‘It’s Ok’ or ‘It’s fine’ would do and move on breathing. It is important to treat and take their fears very seriously. In case their fear is related to past and not base on the current reality, then assist to do some specific reality checks. Perhaps you can ask such question in a neutral manner like ‘Is this something to do in the past or what’s going on right now’. This can help the victim to recall and stay in reality. Just listen and accept whatever answer the person gives. There is no argument should be raised that only worsen the situation, in case if they use any abusive words or situation arises, then let them respond to the situation as how they would but be there to support.


Do not pressure the individual, do not push for a definite answer as this is not the time for any who is correct but stay calm and relax handling the individual.

Listening and just let them talk perhaps is the best answer to this. Minimize the tension by controlling the situation in a relaxed atmosphere. Never insist them to figure out what was the cause of their attack.


Motivate and encourage them to control their breathing

During this situation, breathing is the one of the most elements that can help them to calm down. Many will only short quick and rapid breath when they are panicking and worst some will hold their breath. Less oxygen intake to the lung will only cause the heart to race more. Encourage them to take a deep breath and make them understand that it will give them the relaxation.
You can try this method by counting their breaths. By asking them to breathe in and out, ensure that the inhale is deep enough and gradually repeating the same. Repeat this until their breathing has slowed down and is regulated.

Take a cold object and place near them.

To keep them cool, take any cold items and place t near their neck and face. Usually in these circumstances, the individual will feel sensational warmth, in order to cool that down use this technique. You can use washcloth or a water bag that has been freeze.


Stay with them until they are back to normal and never leave them alone

The individual with the attack can be very rude and unfriendly with you at the time of the attack. But understanding what panic attack can make you to see what they are going through. Do not leave them alone especially when they are struggling to breathe. Kindly ask them what has worked out for them in the past and if they have been taking their medications.


Always remember that their feelings are close to real and their experiences are terrorizing

Ensure to them that you will seek and get help and never leave them alone. They could injure or harm themselves. Seek medical treatment if that is necessary including an ambulance.  

Call professional medical assistance

In case the symptoms do not recover within 15 – 20 minutes, do not hesitate to call an ambulance or seek professional medical assistance. Simply call for an advice or consult. Remember, this is not a near death experience and bringing them to Emergency Room could only make things worse. A simple further guide and steps to control the situation would be deemed necessary enough. If this is a first time attack, the individual may want to seek medical help as they are terrified with what’s happening to them. For those who have had the experience before, they know and aware that getting medical assistance will only cause more stress and anxiety to themselves.

Consider trying Panic Away for panic attacks and anxiety cases. A proven method to cure the panic attack and anxieties, try this and see the results first. Panic Away is a cognitive behavioural modification theory that was pioneered by Barry Joe Mcdonagh. The program teaches you how to accept the situation and start living your life. 

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