Panic attacks occur suddenly because of anxiety and stress.
For persons experiencing panic attacks help would be needed every now and then.
The symptoms may come unexpectedly and the sudden onset could possibly leave the person bewildered and lost.
She would need then all the help she can get.
How could you help a person with panic and anxiety attacks? Here is some panic attacks help: 1.
If chest pain, palpitations or difficulty of breathing accompanies the panic attacks, help, especially medical attention, should be sought immediately.
The person might be experiencing myocardial infarction or heart attack.
2.
Remove the person from the stimuli and bring her somewhere safe.
Distance her from the cause of her fear and stress.
3.
If the person is hyperventilating, let her breath into a paper bag where she could inhale and exhale deeply.
This process would help prevent the occurrence of alkalosis due to the increased excretion of carbon dioxide.
With the paper bag, let the person inhale again the carbon dioxide she exhaled, preventing the excretion of carbon dioxide.
4.
Talk to them calmly and allow them to unload their thoughts.
You could help them by listening more and talking less.
Do not be condescending or aloof.
Let them understand that you know their fears are genuine.
5.
Help them do breathing exercises.
Breathe in through the nose, hold for 5-10 seconds, and then breathe out through the nose and mouth.
You can repeat the process until the person's breathing has completely returned to normal.
6.
If she feels warm and uneasy, use an ice pack to alleviate the occurrence.
You could also move to an air-conditioned room or use an electric fan to help ease the hot flashes.
7.
Stay calm yourself, you could not help someone with a panic or anxiety attack if you are in a panic, yourself.
Assure her that you would stay with her, until the attack passes or however long she needs you.
8.
Do not leave her alone because other symptoms might develop.
If after the panic attack's help, her symptoms have not yet subsided for 10-15 minutes, and then you have to bring her to the hospital for treatment.
There may be other underlying conditions associated with the panic attacks.
Helping people with their panic or anxiety attacks is one way of ensuring they get first hand help before the symptoms exacerbates.
This would lessen the propensity of these attacks to progress into panic disorders.
It would also allow you to cope with your own panic attacks, help you by giving you experience and exposure, and prepare you to control your own attacks if and when they occur.