a healthier life

5 Aiding Steps To Assist A Person Under A Panic Attack

Panic disorder is growing in America today. Many who struggle may have Panic Disorder under control, but they still may have unpleasant panic attacks in a crowd of people. If this occurs, there are measures that you can take to which will make the incidence easier to take in for all those who are present.

1 – Keep calm. The last thing someone needs while having a panic attack is to have others around them panic, too. Speak calmly, reassuring the afflicted individual that the situation is not what it appears to be. Keep in mind, that what they feel is very surreal and their whole world has been turned upside down. In their mind, no one understands what they are going through.

2 – Do not overreact. Most of the time, it isn’t necessary to call 911 unless the person having the attack has injured themselves or someone else. Paramedics won’t treat the attack any differently than a calm observer of the crowd would. The person dealing with the attack suffers embarrassment just as much as the attack when it’s happening. Shouting or yelling loudly with sirens in the background isn’t going to help. Move the person to a quiet place and wait with them until the panic attack has passed.

3 – People or open spaces may be the problem. Look for a place to take the afflicted person, where they will be free from these two potential triggers (the exception being that they are not in a small, crowded space when the attack happens, and the social phobia isn’t the real issue). Try to reassure those surrounding you as calmly and as politely as possible that everything is under control and that help is on the way.

4 – Determine if the sufferer is on medication. If they are, help them find it. They will know what and how much, but in a panicked state they may need guidance to remember to actually find and take medication. Calm reassurance without being accusing will help them remember and may also tranquil them. Avoid panicking them further by searching through their belongings; let them find and take the medication, your role is to calm them as much as possible to allow them to do so.

5 – Stay with them until the attack passes. Attacks generally don’t last more than a half hour at best. Oftentimes, the attack will come to an end and the person will regain their ground within 15 minutes. Staying with the person will lessen the effects of the attack that they are feeling, knowing someone is nearby to help. Just give them some time to locate the medication.

To find out more how to Stop Panic Attacks, visit Yuval Harpaz’s site at www.stressfreeport.com and download a FREE self-help guide on how to Start Reducing Stress NOW for your needs.