When I Have a Panic Attack, I Want My Friends/Family To...

My boyfriend always calms me down by talking me through a panic attack and getting me to focus on him and his voice rather than the racing thoughts. When it comes to my family it would be helpful if they could support me by trying to give me something else to do and physically being there for me. Just a small hug or a constant hand can be extremely helpful to me. Afterwards I need to talk about things and they're always willing to be there for me and hear me out. c:

I want then to leave mearly alone or act like it's not hurting me, quit thinking it's an act. Either tell me alright or tell me nothing. Go on about your day.

To let us know that they can talk to you about it openly, without any fear of judgment. It's very important that we know that you're there to lend them an ear, and that you aren't going to judge us or change the way you think/feel about us based on anything they say - even if we say the same fear over and over and over and over again (because for many, the fears and thoughts are nearly exactly the same each time).

To spend time with us as much as possible. You being around us is a bigger help than you realize. In fact, we may not realize it either. But time spend with others is time that makes it harder to think about our anxieties, and that time really does make a difference.

Tell us we can call you anytime, anywhere. Talking on the phone and knowing someone is there to pick up can actually be incredibly comforting to someone that is trying to control their anxiety. Anxiety can make people feel lost and alone. Knowing that someone is a phone call away reduces that feeling.

Be forgiving. We keep emphasizing that anxiety can change neurochemistry for a reason. Anxiety can make people more quick to irritation. It's not in the control of the person with anxiety. Ideally, try your best to be forgiving. Let us know that you understand, and that even if it's not fair you're not going to quit the friendship because of it

Be proud of us when we improve. We will be able to see it on your face. Remember that anxiety changes thought patterns and can make people think and feel much more negative, which unfortunately means that many of us are going to interpret your facial expressions negatively, assuming you're annoyed with us or ashamed of us. Thus making sure to highlight your positive emotions and your pride - and actually being happy when you see recovery while avoiding feeling frustrated during setbacks - can be very valuable.

A supportive friend is an extremely effective way to treat your own anxiety!

☺☺☺☺☺💖💖💖💖🌷🌷🌷🌷

I want them to be patient, understanding and unfettered. More chaos is fuel to a fire. Guide me to a secure and stable mental ground, and approach carefully. It sounds silly but at those times I feel threatened by sudden and loud movement, like I've reverted to primal base settings.

Don't focus on particulars. That will create negative association. Just talk with me. Make me feel like a worthy and rational human .

I want them to understand that I also can't understand myself sometime and that I've got no control over what's happening. I also want them to stop accusing me that it's all an act and I'm not just being a drama queen. They can just hold my hand if they care or leave me the ef alone. :))

I dont know what I want but I know what i dont want. I dont want him to yell at me. I dont want him to swear at me. I dont want him to tell me Im being ridiculous. I dont want him to rush me. I dont want him to tell me to get out or threaten to leave.

So.

I want my friends/family to be patient with me and just wait for it to pass.

Stop telling me to stop crying like a baby

I have panic attacks when I need to travel alone, so I would like my family/friends to go with me and to be my support. I mean I can feel anxiety even when someone is with me, but it's much easier and I can talk with that person and not focus on my thoughts. But no one understands how much this is a struggle for me, they are just like "everything will be okay" or "no one holds my hand when I go somewhere alone, so I'm not going to hold yours either". But I don't want them to literally hold my hand, I just want them to be there with me and to understand me, to understand that I can't travel alone just like that. I think that I'm never going to get used to traveling because when no one wants to go with me I stay in my comfort zone.

With my friends, I want them to just be there. When I'm having a panic attack I need to know that I'm not going through this alone, because most times I feel very alone when it's happening. With my family... they don't know when I'm having a panic attack, so...

sit with me and tell me i am not alone