Panic Attacks & Friends

If you both know what causes the panic attacks, support each other. If you or your friend is having a panic attack, the other person needs to stay calm at the very least. Try to keep a calm tone with the other person, because panicking doesn't help. Talk about breathing, try to get them thinking about their breathing techniques, tell them when to inhale and exhale. Not to focus on their surroundings, even if it means looking to the floor. Whenever my mum notices me having a panic attack she takes me out of the room and sits me down and talks me through everything. That really helps. However, if you both know each other's triggers for panic attacks, try to be there for each other by any means when such triggers come about, and maybe practice some of the breathing techniques beforehand. I hope this has maybe helped a little.

I have a friend with panic disorder. The best thing I have found is to speak calmly, and reassure the person, encourage slow breathing. Even gentle touch, like holding their hand, if you know that's ok with the person beforehand