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

User Profile: PhoenixAsh
PhoenixAsh April 26th, 2018

Share with us below!

What do you want your friends/family to do when you have a panic attack? How can they best support you?

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User Profile: CarolineFCY
CarolineFCY April 28th, 2018

I just want a hug and soothing words and solutions, game plans, meal plans... reassurance, stability. Something, anything that can help my breathing. Sympathy for the pain and fear I'm going through almost every day. During a family session, my therapist gave me some "model magic" for me to squeeze so it could distract me from breathing and crying. That eventually calmed me down. Gotta get me some more squeezy toys.

What I don't need is raised voices, "I know you're uncomfortable" (with somatic symptoms, the word doesn't even begin to cut it) (moreso with a possible legitimate gastro problem), accusations, or a scoffing/derisive/exasperated tone. I'm sure this is hard to hear but I'm suffering and begging for help here.

User Profile: politeSkies6536
politeSkies6536 April 29th, 2018

@PhoenixAsh Understand that I can't control it.