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How can others help me when Im having a panic attack?

18 Answers
Last Updated: 01/21/2020 at 3:58am
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Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
Profile: PoliteOcean
PoliteOcean
August 4th, 2015 4:49am
You can talk with those around you and let them know how you are feeling. You can also let them know if you are a sufferer of panic attacks. While they may not know what exactly to do for you, if they know that you go through these emotions, they may be better prepared when the time comes to help you in the event if a situation should arise. You could help those closet to you know what it is that might calm or relax you if you already have coping skills in place. Also, please always seek further advice from a trained medical healthcare provider. Or, with a counselor or therapist who can further assist you and those around you with coping skills.
Profile: KintsugiLady
KintsugiLady
September 21st, 2015 10:25am
I think for each person the answer to this will be different but, for what it's worth, here's what I've seen that worked for some people (pick and choose what sounds right for you): - Ask them to give you some space. Too many people, too close, can make you feel overwhelmed. - Ask someone that makes you feel safe to give you a big hug. Sometimes the feeling that there's someone caring for you, that's protecting you and holding you until you feel better, can help a lot. - Ask them to offer you a sip of water. Some studies say that when we're in panic mode and stop to drink some water, it tricks our brains into thinking that the danger isn't so big ("if we have time to stop and drink when we are not dying of thirst, then it can't be that bad!") - Ask them to help you control your breathing. Maybe they can count the seconds between inhale and exhale, remind you to not breathe rapidly... I wish you the best of luck!
Profile: tranquilSugar65
tranquilSugar65
November 10th, 2015 6:54pm
Be there really make me feel as if they are there for me but if they really are that is and that there is love there
Profile: talia0531
talia0531
January 21st, 2020 3:58am
For me personally, it is really helpful when someone helps me focus on my breathing and does breathing exercises with me. It also helps if they get me some water and just sit with me until the panic attack subsides. Some people like being held during a panic attack, like me, I like being held and hugged and it also helps to hug a stuffed animal or pillow and keep pressure on my chest. But some people don't like being touched during a panic attack; each person has different needs. It may also be helpful to focus on your senses and focus on things you can see, smell, hear, and feel.
Anonymous
July 31st, 2018 5:53am
You can ask others to do certain things for you, like removing the thing that triggered the attack (if possible) or helping you go to a quiet place where you can ride out the attack in peace. You can also let them know that there are certain things that trigger you, so that they can avoid doing those things so you don't have an attack in the first place. Personally for me, I like going to my car and holding a stuffed animal and being held by my partner, it helps a lot when I'm having a panic attack.
Profile: sweetStar85
sweetStar85
April 3rd, 2018 4:38pm
Having a panic attack is one of the most frightening experience ever,sometimes just having someone close by helps,talk and express what works for u,do u prefer people to talk in a calming way or just be there for you
Profile: beautifulDreamer64
beautifulDreamer64
September 12th, 2017 12:15pm
You can play the 54321 game. The game goes as so: Find five things you can see. Find four things to touch-and touch them. Find three things you can hear-and listen. Find two things you can smell- breathe them in. Find one thing you can taste- take it in.
Profile: TranquilLavenderFields
TranquilLavenderFields
September 26th, 2016 11:30am
`Some else being with you whilst your having a panic attacks can be beneficial, they can assist you with your breathing, and also be reassurance, that all will be fine, and that it will pass in time.
Profile: genuineListener0402
genuineListener0402
August 30th, 2016 6:36pm
Ask to stay with you and comfort you, have them talk to you and get you anything you need (a drink etc.) and have them stay until the attack has subsided.
Profile: benevolentSpring21
benevolentSpring21
April 26th, 2016 7:00pm
Remind you to slow down your breathing. Breathe in............Breathe out......... So obvious, but its the first thing I forget when I freak out
Profile: awesomeRainfall75
awesomeRainfall75
March 29th, 2016 2:24pm
I think the main thing is just that they accept what is happening, that it will pass and most importantly that they don't get overly worked up or anxious too. If I'm panicking the last thing I want is someone else adding fuel to the fire.
Anonymous
March 26th, 2015 10:39am
By having the knowledge of what a panic attack is and being supportive when you are experiencing on, encouraging you to take controlled breaths, helping you to sit up straight and calm down. It may not sound like a lot but it is enough to help you.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2015 8:40am
If your somebody that doesn't like to be around people, just let them know that you just need some space and go somewhere where you feel comfortable. If you do like people around you, just explain to them to give you reassurance, just to be there to hold your hand and help you through it with breathing techniques.
Anonymous
September 22nd, 2015 6:01am
We have a self help guide for both anxiety and panic attacks, and there are various listeners for you to connect to!
Profile: JoeyOpenEarsOpenHeart
JoeyOpenEarsOpenHeart
August 4th, 2015 8:16pm
They can support you and help you calm down. To remind you to take slow, deep breaths. Reassure you that it will pass soon or even take you to find health care.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 9:53pm
Others, especially people that have had panic attacks before, can sometimes lend their experience to your aid. It's sometimes helpful to hear from people that have gone through the same suffering before, since it provides perspective; it lets us know that we can beat our anxiety, and reminds us to have hope.
Anonymous
May 28th, 2015 5:00am
When you are having a panic attack others can help you by assisting you in any way possible, be it getting you a glass of water or maybe helping you to a clean, quiet space. The most important thing for someone to do is to listen. Listen and understand that the person having the attack feels unsafe and needs you to help them. If someone is having an attack ask them if they need anything, help them breath steadily, and just let them know you're there with them.
Profile: JimSwift
JimSwift
April 16th, 2015 3:05am
I think the best thing other people can do is be knowledgeable about them so that they can help talk you through it.