A panic attack is characterized by physical and mental symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, increased heart rate, light-headedness, confusion, and the inability to concentrate. If someone you know is suddenly experiencing these symptoms and you know of their history in having previous panics, here are some panic attack help tips to guide you:
Step #1: Know for sure whether or not it is a panic attack.
The best way to describe the symptoms of panic is the presence of extreme and unexplained apprehension, fear, terror, and high levels of anxiety even though there is no presence of any threat or danger. What makes the illness even more inconvenient is its tendency to occur without any pattern, any time, anywhere. A typical attack lasts for about 5 to 10 minutes usually just by letting it pass. However, if the patient has previous history of heart attack or asthma (the physical symptoms of which are similar to that a panic attack), it is important to seek medical attention right away as a preventive panic attack help measure.
Step #2: Suggest a physical activity which you can do together.
Since the physical instincts of someone having an attack are geared toward a fight-or-flight mode, they have bottled up energy that needs to be redirected. Suggest cleaning their room, kitchen, or backyard until the symptoms have completely disappeared. As you go through the alternative task, talk to the person and ask them what they are feeling and what might have probably caused them to feel that way. Throughout the conversation, provide a listening ear and words of reassurance and encouragement to let them know that you feel for their situation and you're there with them until the panic attack disappears.
Step #3: Do not dismiss the person's fear.
Never tell the person suffering a panic attack that there's no reason to be afraid, that he/she is overreacting, and that there's really nothing to worry about. Bear in mind that for the person suffering from the attack, the fear and sense of danger are very real. Stay calm for the person's sake and be a source of relaxation for them. In some cases, the panic attack sufferer will just blabber on and on as they try to verbally organize their thoughts to find out what's bothering them. Don't judge and just listen. This panic attack help can be done by just allowing the person to talk.
Step #4: Let the person breathe into a paper bag.
Guide the person to count their breaths. Make sure that these breaths are deep and in intervals of two counts. Gradually increase the intervals to four, then to six or until their regular breathing pattern is re-established. Never use a plastic bag, and ensure that the paper bag is covering all of the nose and mouth area. The paper bag method should be done for ten breaths and must have a break of 15 seconds in between bag breathing.
If you are suffering from panic or know someone who is, it is best to tell family and friends about this condition and the basic steps for panic attack help measures. Panic is generally harmless and has not caused any deaths, but if symptoms do not disappear after 20 minutes, seek emergency medical assistance in order to prevent more serious conditions from happening.
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