How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

Video Transcript

"Hi, this is Ben Brennan from Austin, Texas, I'm coming to you on behalf of Expert Village and today we're going to be talking about panic attacks. Let's talk about what you can do to comfort someone during a panic attack. The first thing you should do when someone is having a panic attack is listen. Although the person having a panic attack may not be able to immediately verbalize what they need, if they can tell you are ready to listen what is going on and how you can help, you won't even need the rest of this list, you can do whatever your loved one tells you what they need. Another thing you can do for a person experiencing a panic attack is letting them know you care. A way to communicate this for most people is just putting a arm around that person or hugging them. This is the way your friend has physical evidence that they are not alone to combat the physical messages of panic that their body is producing. Obviously only do this if you are there with that person. What I mean is that this is definitely not the time or place to make an acquaintance or a friend even more anxious with an unwanted hug or inappropriate affection. Finally, show that you're truly supporting them by looking your friend in the eye. Eye contact can go a long way in expressing to the person that you're with them. This does not mean starring at them silently. This may give the appearance that you are shocked or scared. The last thing they need is for their friends around them to panic. Warm supportive eye contact along with appropriate touch and affirming words will give a person experiencing a panic attack what they need. Which is to know that you're concerned and that someone that cares is present with them. Not just physically but emotionally as well."