How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

Staying cool, calm and collected is the best way to help a person experiencing a panic attack. The person may be short of breath, feel overwhelmed or possibly even be in physical pain. It's important to encourage the person to breathe slowly, and make sure they know you are there to help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Stay with the person. Send someone else to get help or call 911 if the attack may cause any injury to the person.
2. Remain calm. It's important to stay calm and collected so you can help the person having the attack calm down.
3. Move the person having the panic attack to a quiet place. When you're in a public setting, find a quiet bathroom, corner of a store or area where there are the least amount of people.
4. Ask the person what they need to be comfortable. Offer any medications they may need.
5. Speak slowly and in simple sentences. The person may be too anxious and overwhelmed to understand long, drawn out sentences.
6. Have the person repeat a simple physical task, such as raising and lowering his hand. This can help him focus and tire him out at the same time.
7. Breathe with the person. Tell them to breathe slowly with you. Take a deep breath in and release it. Count to ten and help the person slow his breathing.

Tips & Warnings

• Tell the person having the panic attack he is going to be alright and can get through it.
• Encouragement helps the attack end faster.
• If you know someone who is having panic attacks frequently and has not gotten professional help, try to get them to see a doctor.