What to do When I Have a Panic Attack

Possible Panic Attack Signs

So you know how you can tell if somebody is feeling anxious, anger, etc. via body language? Well you can also tell if somebody could be close to having a panic attack, you just need to learn to read the person's body language. Take note that some signals may be obvious than others, and others will barely be noticeable.

1. Mumbling - Sometimes, if something has set off my anxiety (examples: loud noises happening over and over again, suddenly many people in a small area, noticeably increased background noise), I go into sensory overload, which is when someone's mind experiences over-stimulation from the environment they are in, and I will mumble things that are mostly incoherent but I do catch myself mumbling ¨Too loud¨ and things like that. Now I mentally trained myself to grab Cloe's guide rope and give her the command ¨Find exit¨ where she will guide me out of or away from the area before anything gets worse. Though you may need to ask me to grab her handle at times. Unless I ask, do not follow me. Continue your shopping and if you can't find me afterwards, text me to ask where I went.

If Cloe isn't around: ask if you can touch me. I usually don't like to be touched during a panic attack, but you can always ask. If I say yes, take my arm and gently guide me out of the store. if I say no, then ask me to grab your bag or something else ( like the end of a jacket around your waist), and guide me out of the store or area.

2. Picking at skin - I will often pick at my skin as a way to distract myself from the growing feeling of anxiety. Cloe is trained to alert and respond to this, and is a more severe signal that I am close to having a panic attack. Cloe will paw and nudge at my hand if I am picking at my arms or hands, but she can't reach my arms when I'm picking at my neck, which you can pull my arm away without asking. If I repeat picking/scratching at my neck, continue to pull my hand away, even if I say stop. I may leave the area to find a safer, quieter space to have Cloe do DPT.

If Cloe isn't around: do not ask to touch me, and immediately (but not too forcefully, fast sudden movements can make it worse), guide me away from the area.

3. Leg Bouncing - bouncing my leg is just a way for me to release anxious energy, but it can eventually lead to a panic attack. Cloe is also trained to alert to this, so there isn't much for you do to, but if she isn't with us for some reason, put your hand on my knee (it will mimic Cloe pawing at my leg) and it'll eventually stop.

4. Dissociating - When I dissociate, I'm kind of trying to "tune out" my anxiety. So I might not answer you or even acknowledge you're talking to me. Cloe is training to notice this, so if you notice me dissociating, wait until Cloe has the chance to notice, or direct her to see me dissociating. If Cloe isn't with us, gently nudge my shoulder until I snap out of it.

5. Mute - Sometimes to try to keep myself from freaking out, my brain will prohibit my ability to speak, which is a reason why I mumble (1) rather than speak, although I can barely speak at all. Do not encourage me to speak, because I won't physically be able to.

6. Stiming - Stiming is a short abbreviation for stimulation. Sometimes I feel the need to do something with my hands, so I'll rub my knuckles against my other hand and/or move my hand(s) like I'm jiggling a door handle.