Able Futures - 5 key tips to help with panic attacks
1) Stay calm 🍃
Panic attacks are scary for the person experiencing them. Your job is to remain as calm as possible, this will help put them at ease more quickly.
2) Sit down 😌
Panic attacks cause the heart rate to soar, the person might feel sick, sweaty or like they are going to pass out. Encourage them to sit down, but not to slump as this restricts the flow of air in and out of the body.
3) Don't leave 💚
Panic attacks can last up to 30 minutes. Stay with the person throughout, or until alternative support arrives. Leaving them might make them more anxious and stressed.
4) Ask ❔
If you are in any doubt of how best to help, just ask. This is unlikely to be their first panic attack and they might have their own way of coping.
5) Breathe ❤️
Slow, deliberate deep breaths in and out regulate the heart-rate and lowers the stress hormone cortisol. See if you can encourage them to deep breathe with you, in for five, holding for three counts then out for five.
