"When 'I' becomes 'WE'
even illness becomes
wellness"
How to help someone who is having a panic attack
A panic attack is a short episode of crippling anxiety which causes the sensation of fear. A panic attack can include a racing heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling and muscle tension. A panic attack can last from 5 minuets to half an hour, but the psychological effects can last for much longer. Panic attacks are very common, about 35% of the population will experience a panic attach at some point in their lives.
When someone is having a panic attack it is important to reassure them that it will pass. Speak in a calm voice and try to avoid unhelpful phrases such as “just calm down.” Do not touch them unless they have given you permission as unwelcome or unexpected touches, even with helping intensions, may make the attack worse.
To try and lessen the time of a panic attack try to help them focus on something else. This can be done by:
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Asking them to count with you backwards slowly from 100
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Breathing techniques
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counting who seconds for in breath and two seconds for our breath, slowly increase these to 4 seconds and then to 6 seconds
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Breathing out longer than you breathe in to help shut off the adrenaline gland.
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If they are in a public place try to move them to a more private place
Panic Square
Draw a square on your leg or the ground with your finger
Breath in
Breath in
Breath out
Breath out
