How To Help Someone Panic Attack?
Strange as it may seem, panic attacks often occur to anyone without prior warning therefore if a person has an attack, it is essential that you recognize what to do through knowing what exactly a panic attack is. A panic attack is a instantaneous flood of overpowering fear or even anxiety that manifests itself with many signs and ailments. Throughout an attack, a person experiences many characteristics including some of these: racing pulse, constrictions in the chest, shortness of breath, churning stomach, muscle constriction, shaking, sweating profusely, light-headedness, temperature variations, tingling feeling, a feeling of detachment, losing control and a fear of dying.
Look for emergency care because it is essential to call for an expert particularly if an individual experiences an attack for their initial time. Isolate the root of these symptoms because the signs and symptoms of the attack are similar to medical conditions i.e. hyperventilation or shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma, whereas pains in the chest, elevated pulse or even palpitation and perspiring can be a heart attack. Talk to the person and decide if the ailments are the result of different conditions but, if you’re not sure, an expert would be a great help.
While waiting for assistance, find the cause of attack. When it’s determined that the cause of these ailments is really a panic attack, locate the root of this attack and remove the individual from the source however don’t make an assumption about what the person needs. A person that is afflicted by this issue might understand exactly what action to take or has medication which will get him through the attack, so it is good to inquire. Do not surprise the patient, so be consistent with any moves you make which in addition means you must not seize, hold or constrain them. Calm them down and remain calm on your own - you could do that through reassuring the individual that everything is going to be okay but do not dismiss his fear by saying “you are overreacting”. Make note that the fear is very real to the victim so it dismissing the fear has no effect or might even make things worse.
Assist the person in controlling his breathing because several patients breathe heavily during an attack, while others hold their breath. Utilizing a deep breathing method is an extremely efficient method to remove these ailments that accompany the attack as well as calm the patient down. Guide the person and tell him to breathe in for 3 slow counts, and then ask them to withhold their breath for three slow counts and then exhale out for about three slower counts. Do this several times till the individual becomes relaxed though as an alternative you can also advise them to exhale using a paper bag. This way, he will recycle the carbon dioxide that will helps correct the blood acid level that had been disrupted by excessive inhalation however be cautious if using paper bags since they may spark off another terror.
Remain with the individual during the ordeal especially if they’re experiencing problems breathing. Most importantly be, even if they are rude or unfriendly towards you, simply understand that it is temporary and will go back to normal when this ordeal is over. Do not forget that for this person, the fears are real so reassure the individual that aid is on the way. Never let the person perform anything that will put their life at risk.