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

Profile: insightfulSunshine268
insightfulSunshine268 on Dec 31, 2019
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The best way to support someone having a panic attack is to hold them tight, embrace them in a bear hug. Help them slow their breathing, calm their heart rate and let them know that you are there for them. Take them somewhere quiet to eliminate distractions or embarrassment on their part. Make sure they feel safe in their surroundings and offer to get them something to drink once they have calmed down a little. Let them know that you support them. But if they ask for space, give them space. It's more about what they need. Hope this helped.
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Profile: KindSoul76
KindSoul76 on Jan 28, 2020
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Hold their hands softly if they don't have any issues with that and ask them to breathe deeply with you. Offer them some water which they could sip or drink slowly. If they are comfortable, give them a hug and just allow them to vent for a while, you can softly pat or stroke their back or arm. Let them know you're there to help, listen and understand them. Just try not to force or make them feel like you're in their personal space, that can further make the situation worse. Also it's best to not say things like you'll get over it or chill or calm down, their current situation is not in their control.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 30, 2015
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Remind them to breathe-- to take slow breaths, in and out. Be there for them as they struggle through it, and remind them that you're not going to leave them alone. Empathize, and suffer through the attack as they do.
Profile: SaraHoliday71
SaraHoliday71 on Nov 17, 2015
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Communicate with them, Hold them in a caring way, ask them if they want to go out or lay them down and ask them to breath in and out. My best friend struggles a lot with panic attacks and both of us go to a medical program :)
Profile: measureinmoments
measureinmoments on Feb 27, 2015
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Try to ground them. Remind them where they are, who they are, suggest they hold something and squeeze it. Breathing exercises also help.
Profile: Spiderman93
Spiderman93 on Feb 27, 2015
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be there for them. let them know it will be ok and that you wont leave them. remember though, while in a panic attack, the person may not want to be around anyone. if that is the case, give them space but still be there to help them when they are ready to be around you.
Profile: DanielleBW
DanielleBW on Apr 9, 2015
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Stay with the person and keep calm. Offer medicine if the person usually takes it during an attack. Move the person to a quiet place. Don't make assumptions about what the person needs. Ask. Speak to the person in short, simple sentences. Be predictable. Avoid surprises. Help the person focus by asking him or her to repeat a simple, physically tiring task such as raising his or her arms over the head. Help slow the person's breathing by breathing with him or her or by counting slowly to 10. say things like "You can get through this." "I am proud of you. Good job." "Tell me what you need now." "Concentrate on your breathing. Stay in the present." "It's not the place that is bothering you; it's the thought." "What you are feeling is scary, but it is not dangerous."
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 19, 2015
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The best thing you can do to help others when they are having a panic attack is letting them know you are there for them, and that you are there to give them comfort and support.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Apr 30, 2015
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Reassure them that they are safe, and everything is okay. Try to distract them- put on a movie, or offer to make food. Remember to not make any sudden movements or touch them without asking first- this can worsen it. Stay calm and relaxed.
Profile: helpfuldot
helpfuldot on May 21, 2015
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If possible get them to a secluded or quieter area. Just sit with them and let them know that it is all going to be okay and that you are there for them. Possibly get them some water or a calming item if they have one. Where as anxiety attacks are short and usually have a trigger, panic attacks are longer and come with no warning, and may scare the person having one. Just stay with them, stay calm, and try to get them to breathe deeply until they can say how they are feeling
Profile: MadHatter795
MadHatter795 on May 27, 2015
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I find that controlling my breathing helps majorly, it helps me to stop worrying and focuses me on my breathing, I usually use the rule. "Inhale...1...2...3...Exhale...1...2...3...Repeat"
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Jun 7, 2015
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Give them calm, reassuring, supportive words. Ask if they can take a deep breath and close their eyes.
Profile: EmpathyLoveAndHope
EmpathyLoveAndHope on Jan 11, 2016
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First of all, you have to understand what they're experiencing: feelings of anxiety so strong it becomes uncontrollable and pours out as this horrible, terrifying feeling. If you wish to comfort them, the best thing to do is to comfort them soothingly, let them know that everything will be fine and that you're there for them. If you know the person well, get them to whatever comforts them. Sometimes, however, a person having a panic attack will want to be left alone to calm themself down. If this is their wish, respect it and let them be.
Profile: Nahsha
Nahsha on Apr 12, 2016
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They might want space. They also might want you to be there for them. It isn't best to assume so I suggest asking them before hand. Overall, checking up on them is good.
Profile: rainbowbrite1
rainbowbrite1 on May 9, 2016
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If your with someone an they have a full blown panic attack is to make them feel safe an try to distract them away from the panic....
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on May 23, 2016
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Be there for them. Help them steady their breathing. Tell them how good they are and that it's going to be okay because having an attack is scary.
Profile: CopperSkies
CopperSkies on Jun 2, 2016
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You should just sit with them, and ask them what you could to to help as everybody may need different things to feel better. However as a general rule, getting the person to breathe with you can help them slow their breathing and eventually calm down.
Profile: jimmy7
jimmy7 on Jun 6, 2016
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Give them a hug if your in person with them. Ask them what theyd like to do . spend time with them. Also say take a deeo breath that helps. If your over. The phone or chat just talk about whatever they wanna talk about be their friend help them get their mind of it.
Profile: XxXShoulderXxX
XxXShoulderXxX on Jun 7, 2016
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Well in my personal experience of panic attacks some people may want to be comforted others may just need time to let it pass, But if they do want you to help usually the best thing to do is just let them know you're there and that you care, DON'T TELL THEM to calm down this doesn't help and may make them feel worse, you can help them do some basic slow breathing which should help them relax.
Profile: Anonymous
Anonymous on Aug 9, 2016
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Tell them that everything will be okay and to just take some deep breaths and maybe give them a little cup of water if you can
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