A panic attack can be an overwhelming and distressing experience for both the person experiencing it and those around them. It is a sudden surge of intense fear or anxiety that can come on without warning, making the person feel like they are losing control or having a heart attack.
Knowing how to help someone having a panic attack can make a significant difference in their recovery. If you or someone you care about needs access to anxiety treatment services, New Directions Mental Health can help. Anxiety treatment offers a supportive and compassionate environment for people to learn coping strategies and techniques to manage their symptoms. Call us today at 724.374.7414 to begin your journey toward healing and recovery.
How to Recognize When Someone Is Having a Panic Attack
Recognizing the signs of a panic attack is crucial for providing effective support. Common physical and emotional symptoms to look for include:
- Rapid heart rate or palpitations
- Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
- Sweating or chills
- Trembling or shaking
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Nausea or gastrointestinal distress
- Feelings of unreality or detachment
- Intense fear of losing control or dying
It’s important to remain calm and supportive when you observe these symptoms. Your steady presence can help ground the person experiencing the panic attack, reassuring them that they are safe. By responding with empathy and understanding, you can help facilitate their recovery and ease their distress during this challenging moment.
How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack
When helping someone during a panic attack, your actions and words can be incredibly impactful. Here are some effective strategies to provide the necessary support:
Stay Calm and Present
Your composure is vital in this situation. Speak in a calm and reassuring tone, helping the individual feel grounded. Maintain a steady presence, as your confidence can help ease their fear.
Create a Safe Environment
If possible, guide them to a quieter space where distractions are minimized. Encourage them to focus on breathing—inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through the mouth can help them regain control.
Validate Their Feelings
Let the person know that it is okay to feel this way and that they are not alone. Reassure them that you are there to help, empathetically acknowledging their fears without dismissing their experience.
Encourage Professional Help
Once the panic attack subsides, gently suggest the importance of addressing their anxiety with a healthcare professional. Mentioning anxiety treatment services, like those offered by New Directions Mental Health, can provide them with options for ongoing support and coping strategies.
Being a compassionate and informed supporter can significantly alleviate the distress of someone experiencing a panic attack, fostering a sense of safety and connectivity during their time of need.
Panic Attack vs. Anxiety Attack: What to Know
Panic attacks are typically sudden and intense episodes characterized by overwhelming fear and physical symptoms that peak within minutes. In contrast, anxiety attacks tend to build gradually, often triggered by specific stressors or worries. While both can elicit feelings of fear and distress, anxiety attacks may involve a more prolonged sense of dread rather than the abrupt peaks typical of panic attacks.
Recognizing these differences is crucial—it enables caregivers and loved ones to respond appropriately based on the situation. By being attentive to the signs of each type of attack, you can offer the right kind of support and reassurance, helping individuals navigate their experiences with greater understanding and care.
Reach Out to New Directions Mental Health for Healing with Our Anxiety Treatment Services
Whether you are experiencing symptoms of a panic attack or anxiety attack, or you are supporting someone who is, know that help is available. At New Directions Mental Health, we offer comprehensive anxiety treatment services to support individuals as they learn effective ways to manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your mental health journey, click here to reach out to our team of empathetic mental health care experts. For existing clients, please click here and find your office location to contact your office directly.