The Mind Is No Sacred Place

A panic attack is like a scene from The Exorcism of Emily Rose. You can't breathe, you can't think, you don't know where you are, who you are, or who anyone else is. The only thing you know is that there is something taking over you that should not be there.

That something is the panic.

A panic attack is different for everybody. Some people faint or vomit. Others have a sense of being parted from reality. But the most common symptoms are:

Heart Palpitations

Shortness of Breath

Weakness

And of course feeling of Fear.

These attacks are not funny. Although, never fatal, they are damaging to the person suffering from them. After an attack the person can suffer from fatigue, an "emotional roller-coaster", and lingering panic.

If you see someone experiencing an attack, don't panic yourselves. Rarely is medical attention needed, unless the attack is too big to be contained so to speak.

The best ways to help someone having an attack is:

1. Identify the Trigger and Remove It.

A trigger is what sets off an attack. Triggers could be anything from loud noises to overheating.

So if you can identify the trigger remove it or the person from it. If you can't continue with the calming process.

2. Find a Way to Gently Calm Them Down.

The only way to really get an attack over with is simply riding it out. But if you that doesn't mean let the person with in anguish. First, make sure they can breathe. Don't let them hyperventilate! Then talk to them in a soothing voice. Maybe take their hand and have them squeeze it. Let them know that you are there and they are going to be okay. NEVER rush this process it could make matters worse and make that person VERY pissed at you. Just stay calm for their sake.

Laughter is a good tool in fighting an attack off. Make them laugh.

3. Have Water and/or Sugars.

When an attack strikes blood sugar levels drop almost instantly. An sure sign of this is when a person faints and collapses. Get water and something to eat and have them eat and drink slowly. Most people who have frequent attacks carry water and things like candies on them anyway to have on hand when this strikes so just find their supply or have someone get something. Its not required, but it helps.

4. Check-Up

After the attack ends make sure that the person is okay. After the initial attack ends, and they can function again, it takes awhile for things to settle again. Feelings of anxiety are still there and there is a chance that another attack can occur so make sure that person can be able to be okay afterwards in case this repeats itself.

Other things you can do are:

1. If the person has anxiety medication, help administer it to them.

2. If the person faints and hits their head make sure they do not have a concussion.

3. If the attack happens in a public place help the person feel not so embarrassed.

So that's it on this. I'm exhausted as I've been in a car half the day. But thanks for reading!

Ciao

Emilie ^_^