Yes, good info. I like the shut off the t.v. and extra noise and not having people buzzing around. Someone holding your hand is sooo comforting. I would add telling them to take a deep breath and gently release. They may or may not be able to do it right away at the peaks, but if they can as it ebbs a bit, it gives them something to concentrate on. You can do the breathing with them. I used to like a bit of a back rub afterwards to relax me.
Some important does and don'ts to keep in mind while you are with a person having a panic attack. If it even remotely looks like a heart attack, call an ambulance. It is better to be embarrassed than sorry. Reduce as much noise and external stimulus as possible. Shut off the TV, radio etc. Remove unnecessary people. One on one is best. Don't pace. Sit quietly and hold the persons hand. Listen don't talk but answer any questions you are asked. Keep your answers short. Don't say anything stupid like "snap out of it". If you are getting stressed out keep it to yourself. Any one else in the room is to stay quiet and not speak unless asked to. When the crisis has passed treat it lightly, don't make a big issue out of it. Remember the panicking person is going to be embarrassed, don't make it worse. A cold cloth on the wrists or forehead may be necessary to reduce body temperature. Give the panicking person anything they ask for except alcohol and preferably no coffee. No sudden moves and try not to make too much noise. Most panic attacks are of short duration so don't waste a lot of time finding some one else to deal with it. You do it.
Any one who has had a full blown panic attack out there with ideas jump in. These are mine and you may think different. Remember that no one who hasn't had one can know what one is or how to deal with it.
Sometimes we ourselves or others we know can fall into times of crisis. If you find yourself in this situation:
• Call your doctor or therapist
• Call 911 or go to a hospital emergency room to get immediate help or ask a friend or family member to help you do these things.
• Call a National Suicide Prevention Hotline
• Make sure you or the individual in crisis is not left alone.
If you are unsure on how to help this individual, many other professionals will. They include:
• Mental health specialists, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or mental health counselors
• Health maintenance organizations
• Community mental health centers
• Hospital psychiatry departments and outpatient clinics
• Mental health programs at universities or medical schools
• State hospital outpatient clinics
• Family services, social agencies or clergy
• Peer support groups
• Private clinics and facilities
• Employee assistance programs
• Local medical and/or psychiatric societies
• You can also check the phone book under "mental health," "health," "social services," "hotlines," or "physicians" for phone numbers and addresses. An emergency room doctor also can provide temporary help and can tell you where and how to get further help.
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