America has high numbers of the population that suffer from Panic Disorder. Many of them tend to get it under control, but that doesn’t mean they won’t panic while in a public place or social situation. When this occurs, there are several things that anyone can do to help calm down the one who is panicking and those who are around at that moment.
1 – Stay Calm. The last thing a Panic Disorder patient needs, is for those around them to panic as well. Speak in cool, calm and collected manner, and reassure the one suffering that the fear they feel is not as bad as they think it is. Consider that the danger they feel at the moment is extremely real to them, and the fight or flight instinct kicks in.
2 – Do not overreact. In many cases it is not even necessary to call 911 unless there are clear signs that a sufferer has inadvertently injured themselves or another. Paramedics cannot treat a panic attack any differently than a calm member of the public can. It is embarrassing enough for the sufferer to be having the attack in the first place, without people screaming about calling 911, sirens and lots of uniforms. Find as quiet a place as possible, removing the person from as many potential sources of fear as possible, and sit with them until the attack passes.
3 – People or open spaces may be a challenge. Try to locate a spot where you can take the person suffering where they are not surrounded by these two likely triggers (unless the episode happens in a crowded place like an elevator where close quarters may be a trigger). Reassure those around you that everything is fine, and that they should give the person suffering some space and time.
4 – Determine if the sufferer is on medication. If they are, help them find it. They will know what and how much, but in a panicked state they may need guidance to remember to actually find and take medication. Calm reassurance without being accusing will help them remember and may also tranquil them. Avoid panicking them further by searching through their belongings; let them find and take the medication, your role is to calm them as much as possible to allow them to do so.
5 – Stay with them until the attack passes. Attacks generally don’t last more than a half hour at best. Oftentimes, the attack will come to an end and the person will regain their ground within 15 minutes. Staying with the person will lessen the effects of the attack that they are feeling, knowing someone is nearby to help. Just give them some time to locate the medication.
Learn more about Panic Attack’s Release. Visit Yuval Harpaz’s site where you can find out all about how to Start Reducing Stress NOW and what it can do for you.