What to Do When 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. Now I'd like to talk to you about what to do when you are experiencing a panic attack. First of all I want you to remember only a licensed professional can diagnose panic attacks or panic disorder and because panic attacks share symptoms with many other medical diagnoses it's important to be sure that what you're experiencing is in fact a panic attack and not another medical condition. Panic attacks are generally harmless but often times the person experiencing a panic attack will really feel like they're going to die and if you're getting overwhelmed to that point, it might be a good idea to go to the ER and get a shot to clam down and also to make sure that what is going on is a panic attack and not another medical condition. With that being said, let's talk about what to do when you have a panic attack. One thing is to allow yourself to freedom to leave wherever you are at. Often someone experiencing a panic attack will feel closed in and intensely claustrophobic and if you feel the need to leave, leave. You can explain things later to your guests or your friends, but grant yourself to freedom as an adult to leave the situation that you feel uncomfortable being in. Secondly, ask for help and accept that help. Often a person who experiences a panic attack doesn't feel like anyone can understand what they're going through. But the fact is when you are having a panic attack, you may need help from someone else. And if this is true, ask for it just like if you would ask for a ride to work or any other deal that you might encounter. There's nothing wrong with asking for help when you are in the middle of having a panic attack. But if possible the best thing to do is before you are going into a situation that you fear may trigger a panic attack, explain to a friend who will be with you about your panic attacks and what they can do to help you out in that situation should a panic attack occur. Many times this conversation itself may result in preventing the panic attack from even occurring because telling someone about it and having a plan in place, will help you be more relaxed and lower your anxiety level which in terms will reduce the likelihood of a panic attack being triggered in the first place."