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If someone has anxiety attack how can you listen to them?

4 Answers
Last Updated: 09/21/2020 at 5:08pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Melissa Strauss, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor

I am client focused and believe everyone has a strength. I feel confident in seeing clients with generalized and social anxiety, depression and relational goals.

Top Rated Answers
romanticthi3f
September 3rd, 2018 2:36am
It can be really hard to listen to someone while they are in the midst of an anxiety attack; they might not make sense, they might not be able to talk or they might just sound gibberish! That's totally okay. If you can, just be with them - be patient and calm and stay with them in that moment. When they are feeling a bit better, you can ask them to talk about their anxiety attack (if they want to). It's good to get an idea of what might have triggered it and what they need to help them through it. Some people may find that getting a paper bag is helpful; laying on the floor, walking outside to get fresh air, talking about things around them, jumping up and down or being cuddled can help.
Anonymous
June 5th, 2018 5:53pm
just try to be there for them. figure out what triggers their anxiety is the first step and then try to help them cope with those situations in a better way. it's a fear driven issue with anyone who has them. but there's different reasons that a person can feel it. it can be anything from feeling out of control to fear of rejection by others.
musicalEnergy94
January 14th, 2019 4:04pm
sometimes it is hard to listen to someone with anxiety because they may be having a difficult time breaking out of the pain they are in. during a panic attack a person just may want to be alone sometimes. if you are trying to communicate with the person who is experiencing anxiety they may misunderstand what you are trying to say to them. during a anxiety attack changes may be taking place at a very deep level and hopefully you and the person will get past it all. it could help if you say things to bring happiness into their life like positive ideas and memories.
AlwaysHere4U2020
September 21st, 2020 5:08pm
the first thing to do is to make sure they are safe and not putting themselves in a dangerous situation. once this is ensured, then it will be based on the person's needs. some people prefer to be alone while others might need your company. ultimately, you want to tailor your assistance and response to the person and their needs. it is very polite of you to show concern with such delicate circumstances of someone's life. its important to learn more about the ins and outs of such things if you want to be of help to others or even for self needs.