How can I best support others when they are struggling with a full-blown panic attack?

Be supportive and empathic towards what they are going through. Believe me a panic attack is a truly frightening experience.

When someone is struggling with a panic attack it is best to comfort them and make them feel secure. Sometimes it's best to reassure them and wait for the panic attack to finish.

Just stay with them and be there for them. Remind them to take deep breathes and don't rush. Stay by there side.

Physical reassurance, if that is helpful for that individual. Most often, verbal reassurance is plenty. Let them knkw you care and are there for them.

You can help them through using some coping methods to help calm them down. These can vary person-to-person, although there are some strategies that work fairly well no matter who they are. One of these is to use controlled breathing- guide them to breathe in and out at a slow pace to help them focus on something else. Another way is to help them refocus on the environment- 54321 is a good method. Run through the five senses and ask them questions- “What are 5 things you can see? What are 4 things you can touch? What are 3 things you can hear? What are 2 things you can smell? What is one thing you can touch?”. I’ve found that this is the most effective of general coping methods, but I want to offer one more too: if the person is in a place where they can speak, sometimes asking them questions about their panic attack can help. “What caused it? Have you had one before?” (This method also works extremely well for flashbacks). By no means are these the only methods to support someone during a panic attack, but they are quite useful and work about 90% of the time.

The best way to help someone when they are having a panic attack is first by using very simple instructions. When they are having a panic attack they are not going to be able to follow many instructions. Next, you need to get them to a calm, low stimulating environment. Overstimulation can progress the overwhelmed feeling they are having. Finally, you need to make sure their airways are open and they get their breathing controlled. This is important so they do not pass out from hyperventilation. If they are not able to calm down contact a provider or paramedic for further assistance.