How to Effectively Assist a Person Under a Panic Attack

Panic disorder is on the rise in America today. Although most sufferers of Panic Disorder have the condition under control, there are still circumstances where a sufferer may have a severe panic attack in a public place. When this occurs, there are measures that one can take to which will make the attack easier to handle for all of those who are involved at that moment.

1 - Remain Calm. The last thing a person who is already panicking needs is those around them also panicking. Speak in a cool, calm and collected manner, and reassure the one suffering that the fear they feel is not as bad as they think it is. Keep in mind that the danger they may feel at the moment is extremely real to them, and that their behavior is a reaction to the kicked in "fight or flight" instinct.

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 won't treat the attack any differently than a calm observer of the crowd would. Remember, when someone is afflicted by a panic attack they are already ashamed and embarrassed and any added chaos will make it worse. Escort the person to a quiet place, removing him from as many potential sources of fear as possible. Keep them calm and talk to them until the attack passes.

3 - People or Open Spaces may be the problem. Unless the episode happens in a small crowded place like an elevator where close quarters may be a trigger, locate a place where you can take the suffering person where they are not surrounded by these two likely triggers. Reassure those around you that everything is under control and that they should leave the area where the sufferer is. Make sure the sufferer is not overly crowded.

4 - Determine if the sufferer is on medication. If they are, help them to find it. While under attack they may recall what they are taking and the dosage, but where they put it may slip their mind. Calming them down without pointing fingers will help them to relax and stir their memory. Pushing them to locate the medicine right away will make things worse and panic them further. Your role is not to force them into looking for anything, but just to help them to remain calm.

5 - Stay with the sufferer until the attack passes. It is extremely rare that an attack would last more than 30 minutes. Oftentimes, the attack will come to an end and the person will regain their ground within 15 minutes. Staying close to the sufferer will lessen the chance that the attack will come back.

In conclusion, the panic attack starts and ends by itself and the only harm that can be done is by overreacting to its symptoms. Being calm, supportive and understanding is the best way to assist a person under a panic attack. Accomplishing this is the best aid anyone can give.