How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack Stay calm. Learn the signs. Focus on actions. Accept the confusion. Keep them grounded. Respect their needs.
Table of Contents
What to say to someone who is having an anxiety attack?
Help them to get comfortable (have them sit or lie down). Ask them to name five things they can see, hear, smell or feel. Reassure them that they’re experiencing panic and that it will go away. If the symptoms continue, become worse, or they don’t improve after 20–30 minutes, call 000.
What is the 3 3 3 rule for anxiety?
Follow the 3-3-3 rule.
Then, name three sounds you hear. Finally, move three parts of your body — your ankle, fingers, or arm. Whenever you feel your brain going 100 miles per hour, this mental trick can help center your mind, bringing you back to the present moment, Chansky says.
Should you touch someone having an anxiety attack?
Should you touch someone having a panic attack? This is entirely dependent on the person. Some will find comfort in being held and rocked during their panic attacks, others may not want to be touched. It is very important that you always ask before simply reaching out or hugging someone experiencing a panic attack.
Do Hugs help anxiety attacks?
Hugs help reduce your fears
Scientists have found that touch can reduce anxiety in people with low self-esteem. Touch can also keep people from isolating themselves when reminded of their mortality.
What triggers an anxiety attack?
Triggers for panic attacks can include overbreathing, long periods of stress, activities that lead to intense physical reactions (for example exercise, excessive coffee drinking) and physical changes occurring after illness or a sudden change of environment.
How do you ground someone having an anxiety attack?
Luckily these physical grounding techniques can help: Run cool or warm water over your hands and face. Grab onto a chair or pillow as tightly as you can. Touch different objects around you. Focus on your body. If you’ve ever heard of shaking out your nerves, this technique is similar. Focus on your breathing.