Panic attacks arouse the body to a peak level of excitement which makes the individual feel not in control of themself. The mind is preparing for a false fight or flight mode, forcing the body to take over to help the victim face or run from the perceived danger, real or not. [2] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The hormones cortisol and adrenaline are released from the adrenal glands into the bloodstream, and the process begins – this forms the heart of a panic attack. [3] X Research source The mind cannot distinguish the difference between a real danger from the one that is in your mind. If you believe it, then it is real as far as your mind is concerned. They may act as if their life is in danger, and they feel like it is. Try to put it in perspective; if someone was holding a knife to your throat and saying “I’m going to slit your throat. But I’m going to wait and keep you guessing when I’ll decide to do it. It could be any time now. " There has never been a recorded instance of a person dying of a panic attack. They can only be fatal if accompanied by pre-existing medical conditions, such as asthma, or if extreme behaviors subsequently result (like jumping out of a window).
Palpitations or chest pain Speeding up of the heart rate (rapid heartbeat) Hyperventilation (over-breathing) Trembling Dizziness/lightheadedness/feeling faint (this is usually from hyperventilating) Tingling/numbness in fingers or toes Ringing in the ears or temporary loss or hearing Sweating Nausea Abdominal cramping Hot flashes or chills Dry mouth Difficulty swallowing Depersonalization (disconnected feeling) Headache
Many panic attacks don’t have a cause or, at the very least, the person panicking isn’t consciously aware of what the cause is. Because of this, determining the cause may not be doable. If the person doesn’t know why take their word for it and stop asking. Not everything is for a good reason.
Sometimes a person with panic disorder will already have techniques or medication which they know will help them get through the attack, so ask them if there is anything you can do. They may have a place they’d prefer to be.
Sometimes a person with panic disorder will already have techniques or medication which they know will help them get through the attack, so ask them if there is anything you can do. They may have a place they’d prefer to be.
If they’re at their home, suggest organizing the closet or other vigorous cleaning up as an activity. With their body keyed for fight or flight, directing the energy toward physical objects and a finite, constructive task can help them deal with the physiological effects. The actual accomplishment may change their mood, while a different activity to focus on may help break the anxiety. If they’re not at home, suggest an activity that can help them focus. This can be something as simple as lifting their arms up and down. Once they start getting tired (or bored with the repetitiveness), their mind will be less focused on the panic.
Emotional threats are real as life and death threats to the body. That’s why it’s important to take their fears seriously. If their fears are not grounded in reality and they’re reacting to the past, providing some specific reality checks can help. “This is Don we’re talking about, he never blows up in people’s faces over mistakes the way Fred used to. He’ll just react the way he always does and probably help. It’ll be over soon and he won’t see this as a big deal. " Asking the question in a calm and neutral way “Are you reacting to what’s going on right now or to something in the past?” may help the panic attack victim organize their thoughts to recognize flashbacks versus immediate danger signals. Listen and accept whatever answer is given - sometimes people who have been in abusive situations before have very strong reactions to real warning signs. Asking questions and letting them sort out what they’re responding to is the best way to support them.
It’s important for you to look at this as an actual problem, like if their leg were cut severely and bleeding heavily. While you can’t see what’s actually going on, something very scary for them is. The situation is real from their side of the fence. Treating it as such is the only way you can help.
Listen supportively if they spontaneously try to sort out what it is they’re reacting to. Don’t judge, just listen and let them talk.
Try counting breaths. One way of helping them to do this is to ask the individual to breathe in and out on your count. Begin by counting aloud, encouraging the individual to breathe in for two and then out for two, gradually increase the count to four and then six if possible until their breathing has slowed down and is regulated. Get them to breathe into a paper bag. If the individual is receptive, offer a paper bag. [9] X Research source But be aware that for some people, the paper bag itself may be a trigger of fear, especially if they’ve had negative experiences with being pushed into it during previous panic attacks. Since this is done to prevent hyperventilation, it may not be necessary if you’re dealing with someone who holds their breath or slows their breathing when they panic. If it is necessary, however, this should be done by alternating around ten breaths into and out of the bag, followed by breathing without a bag for 15 seconds. It is important not to overdo the bag breathing in case carbon dioxide levels rise too high and oxygen levels fall too low, causing other more serious medical problems. Get them to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth, making the exhale in a blowing fashion like blowing up a balloon. Do this with them.
Even if you don’t feel all that helpful, know that you’re a sense of distraction for them. If they were left alone, all they would have is themselves and their thoughts. You just being there is helpful to keep them grounded in the real world. Being alone while having a panic attack is terrifying. But, if in a public place, make sure people stay a good distance away. They may mean well, but will only make it worse.
However, smaller panic attacks tend to last longer. That being said, the person will be better at handling them, so the length of time is less of an issue. [10] X Research source
If this is the first time they have had a panic attack, they may want to seek medical attention because they are frightened of what is happening to them. If they’ve had panic attacks in the past, however, they may know that getting emergency care will worsen their state. Ask them. This decision will ultimately depend on the individual’s experience and your interactions with him or her.
Let them know that therapy is not for kooks. It is a legitimate form of help that millions of people are a part of. What’s more, a therapist may prescribe a medication that halts the problem in its tracks. The medication may not stop the attacks completely, but will surely lower the amount and frequency of them.
