Thus, if your friend or loved one suffers from them, it is important to understand what triggers their state of fear and how to help them.
Symptoms of a Panic attack:
- intense fear
- feeling very hot or cold
- sense of doom
- sweating or chills
- Shaking
- pounding heart
- difficulty breathing
- head and chest pain
Identify symptoms
- Your friend may start avoiding crowded places like shopping malls. They will also avoid certain situations. They may also start avoiding social gatherings.
- They may also avoid physical exercise as it may trigger panic attack
- They will avoid going anywhere alone and will always look for company of a person they trust.
- It can be observed that they avoid certain foods or drinks like sugar, alcohol which may cause panic.
Help a Friend having Panic Attack:
- Remain calm: Remaining calm and not getting stressed is very important. Please help your friend by getting comfortable by making them sit or lie down.
- Using positive affirmations : using the correct language is very important. Keep your sentences short and simple. Using positive sentences like
- “”You can get through this””
- Deep breathing : Remind your loved one to take slow deep breaths. You can also do the breathing with them.
- Help your friend seek professional help : helping your friend find a mental health professional, a trained yoga instructor, an online or offline support group. Suggesting self help book can be helpful as well.
- Don’t be critical or judgmental : Don’t blame the person for having a Panic attack. Being supportive helps to bring a positive change in the right direction.
- Take them to a dietitian: Taking the friend to a certified dietitian can be another good way to help him. Diet plays a important role in our physical and mental well-being. Being well informed about the dietary changes is an important part.
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