Dealing with Panic Attacks: A Guide for Friends and Family

People who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks have a hard enough time dealing with them, and it can be especially difficult for friends and family. If you care about someone who is dealing with panic attacks, this article can give you some tips and advice for how to help them handle the attacks and maintain your own mental health, too.

It is likely, if you are close to someone who is dealing with panic attacks, that you will be with that person when he or she experiences a panic attack. An adult who’s hade a panic attack before may inform you when one strikes, but you should know the signs of a panic attack anyhow. A panic attack is basically an adrenaline response, so you may witness physical symptoms similar to those of someone who is really scared or excited. The most common symptoms are trembling, excessive sweating, shallow, rapid breathing, a racing heart, and dizziness or light-headedness. Though the physical reaction to adrenaline is the same in a child as it is in an adult, it may manifest itself differently. A child dealing with a panic attack may freeze up, cry, or urinate or defecate in addition to the other symptoms.

When you do witness a panic attack, try to remain calm. Your anxiety, or even an excited reaction, will compound the situation and possibly prolong and increase the severity of the panic attack. If this is someone who does not experience panic attacks often or has not been dealing with panic attacks for very long, it may help to speak to the person in a soothing voice. Explain to him or her that you are right there if needed and try to talk them through breathing slowly. If the person has been dealing with panic attacks for a while, don’t interfere. Chances are he or she has already developed a system for dealing with the panic attack in progress and you’re well-intended help may only add to the problem.

If you’re loved one dealing with panic attacks is a child you may need to be more involved during the actual panic attack. Like with an adult, you may need to reassure the child you are there to help him or her deal with the attack and you may need to help the child calm down. It may help a child to actually soothe him or her with touch.

If you know someone who is dealing with panic attacks on a frequent basis, that person is probably also dealing with some sort of anxiety or panic disorder. Look for signs of withdrawal, depression, and alteration of normal activities. If the underlying cause of the panic attacks has not been addressed, try to figure out what may be causing. The person may be suffering from a phobia or obsessive compulsive disorder or a generalized anxiety or panic disorder. The key, here, is not to make too big a deal out the situation, as discussion of the problem may provoke a panic attack.

When you figure out why the person is dealing with panic attacks, or even if you don’t, suggest that he or she seek help and offer to get help, too. Offer to attend support group meetings or go to doctor appointments or therapy sessions. You will learn a lot about what it’s like for people dealing with panic attacks and you may learn how you can cope with it and support that person. Above all, remember that your support and understanding goes a long, long way in helping a person dealing with panic attacks get well.