How To Help Someone Panic Attack?

April 15th, 2009 by admin

Strange as it may seem, panic attacks often happen to a person without prior warning so if a person experiences a panic attack, it’s essential that you recognize what what you can do through knowing what a panic attack entails. A panic attack is a instantaneous surge of overwhelming abhorrence or anxiety which manifests itself inside a person boasting numerous signs as well as ailments. During an attack, an individual goes through many symptoms including some of the following: palpitations, pains in the chest, shortness of breath, churning stomach, tense muscles, shaking, profuse sweating, light headed, hot and cold sweats, tingling feeling, detached feeling, feeling of not being in control and a fear of death.

Panic

Look for emergency medical help because it’s critical to look for a health professional especially if a person experiences a panic attack for their initial time. Isolate the cause of the symptoms because the signals and ailments of the panic attack are similar to different conditions for example hyperventilation or even shortness of breath might be an indicator of asthma, while chest pain, increased pulse or palpitation and perspiring might be a coronary. Consult with the person and determine if the symptoms are the result of different conditions although, if you’re unsure, an expert would be a great help.

While waiting for assistance, find the cause of attack. Once it’s determined that the catalyst of the symptoms is really a panic attack, find the source of the panic and remove the individual from the source however don’t assume you know what it is this individual requires. A person who is suffering from the attack may know precisely what to do or possesses medication that would move them through this episode, therefore it’s best to inquire. Don’t surprise the person, so be predictable with any moves you make which in addition signifies you must not seize, handle or constrain them. Calm them down and remain calm on your own – you could do that through comforting the individual that it’s going to be fine but do not dismiss his fear by saying “get a grip”. Make a note that this fear is quite authentic to the one suffering the attack therefore it belittling their fear doesn’t have any effect or might actually make things harder.

Assist the person in controlling their respiration since several people hyperventilate during a panic attack, though others hold their breath. Employing a deep respiration technique is an extremely efficient method to remove these ailments that accompany the attack and will also calm the individual. Guide the person and instruct him to inhale for three slower counts, then ask them to withhold their breath for three slow counts and then exhale out for about 3 slow counts. Do this many times till the individual becomes calm but as an alternative you could additionally tell the person to breathe into a paper bag. This way, he’ll recycle his carbon dioxide which helps correct their blood acid level which had been disturbed by excessive inhalation however be cautious when using paper bags as they might set off an additional terror.

Stay with the person during the ordeal especially if they are experiencing problems breathing. Most importantly be, even if they are rude or hateful at you, simply remember that it is temporary and should return to normal as soon as the ordeal is finished. Do not forget that for the patient, the fears are real so ensure the individual that aid is on the way. Do not let the person do things which would put his life in peril.

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