How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

Panic attacks are sudden, intense episodes of fear and terror that can cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. They can be very frightening, but they are not dangerous.

How to Recognize a Panic Attack

• Intense fear or terror
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Numbness or tingling
• Feeling out of control
• Feeling like you are going to die

What to Do If Someone Is Having a Panic Attack

1. Stay calm. It is important to remain calm and reassuring, even if the person is very upset.
2. Listen to the person. Let the person know that you are there for them and that you are listening.
3. Help the person to focus on their breathing. Encourage the person to take slow, deep breaths.
4. Help the person to relax. You can do this by offering them a glass of water, a warm blanket, or a cool compress.
5. Stay with the person until the panic attack passes. It is important to stay with the person until the panic attack passes, even if it takes a while.
6. Encourage the person to seek professional help. If the person has frequent panic attacks, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. A therapist can help the person to learn how to manage their anxiety and panic attacks.

What Not to Do If Someone Is Having a Panic Attack

• Do not tell the person to calm down. This will only make the person feel worse.
• Do not ignore the person. It is important to stay with the person and listen to them.
• Do not offer the person alcohol or drugs. This will only make the situation worse.
• Do not make light of the person's panic attack. It is important to take the person's panic attack seriously.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the person has frequent panic attacks, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. A therapist can help the person to learn how to manage their anxiety and panic attacks.

Additional Tips

• If you are having a panic attack, try to find a quiet place where you can sit down and relax.
• Focus on your breathing and take slow, deep breaths.
• Try to identify the things that are causing you to feel anxious or panicky.
• Talk to a friend or family member about what you are going through.
• If you are feeling overwhelmed, call a crisis hotline or go to the emergency room.