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Overview Of Panic Attacks
If somebody you know suffers a panic attack, he or she might become very nervous and not be able to think clearly. You can assist the individual by doing the following:
- Remain with the individual and keep them calm.
- Provide them with medication if the individual usually takes it while having an attack.
- Move the individual to a discreet place.
- Don’t create assumptions about what the individual wants. Ask them.
- Talk to the individual in concise, simple sentences.
- Help the individual to focus by requesting him or her to repeat an easy, physically strenuous task such as raising his or her arms.
- Help ease the individual’s breathing, by breathing with them or by gradually counting to 10.
What To Say
It is useful when the individual is experiencing a panic attack to say things like:
- “You can get past this.”
- “You should be proud. Great job.”
- “Let me know if there is anything you need now.”
- “Focus on your breathing.”
- “What you are experiencing is frightening, but it is not dangerous.”
Procedures To Apply
By applying these simple procedures, you can:
- Decrease the amount of anxiety in this very traumatic situation.
- Stop the condition from getting worse.
- Help place some control in a difficult situation.
You can provide ongoing assistance as the individual tries to recuperate from their panic disorder:
- Let the individual continue with therapy when they are ready.
- Be patient and compliment all efforts toward recovery, even if the individual is not meeting all of the objectives.
- Do not show fear when the individual starts to panic. Keep them calm.
- Keep in mind that it is all right to be afraid and concerned about yourself.
- Accept the current condition, but know that the panic attack will not carry on forever.
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