Anxiety Tips & Tricks

How to help another person who is having an attack

A/N: Hey! I just wanted to say Thank you for reading and I hope your anxiety or whoevers anxiety becomes less severe!

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It can be unsettling to watch someone having a panic attack, as well as to feel helpless about what to do. While you can't stop the for him/her/they, here are some things you can do to help him/her/they get through it:

-Remain calm and patient.
-Encourage the victim calm down.
-Remind the victim that relaxed breathing can help off the emergency response and quiet symptoms.
-Remind them that even though symptoms and feelings can feel powerful, they aren't harmful or the harbingers of danger. They are just the strong feelings associated with the body's survival mechanism working to protect them.
-Remind them that panic attacks always end.
-Encourage them to be patient as her body calms down.
-If they wants to go for a walk, go along with to keep them company.
-Sometimes a neck or shoulder massage can help distract and lessen the severity of the episode.
Sometimes a hug can also be reassuring.
-If they want to be left alone, or can't focus on what you are saying while having the strong feelings, tell her that's ok and you'll just be near if she needs you.
-As the episode is ending, reassure them that they have done a great job getting through it, and that it's only a matter of time until they feel much better.
-Don't criticize, judge, or belittle.
-Don't dismiss the episode as being all in their head.
-Don't tell them, "Just get over it. Everyone has panic attacks. It's no big deal."
-Be there and listen if they just want to share or debrief. Even though you may not have the answers, just listening can make a difference.

Above all, be supportive and understanding. Also, encourage them to seek the help of a professional therapist, and then encourage them as they get help and does the work of recovery.
You can also help them find an appropriate therapist and good self-help materials. You can also help them internalize the information by reading it with them or by discussing what they have learned. Role playing with them can also help process the information.

Being a good friend in time of need can be extremely valuable even though you might not know that much about anxiety or its attacks. Love, compassion, understanding, and patience can go a long way to helping her overcome anxiety disorder, including panic.

A/N: Thanks for reading thjs chapter, and I hope this was useful to you!

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