Very important.
Panic attacks are awful.
They’re scary, they hurt, and they’re absolutely totally exhausting.
Witnessing a friend, family member, or anyone really experiencing a panic attack can also be extremely stressful – especially if you don’t know what you’re supposed to do to help a person through it.
Lucky for all of us then that one woman has gone and written a handy list of things that help when she’s having a panic attack.
Kelsey Darragh, who suffers from a panic and anxiety disorder, originally compiled the list for her boyfriend who wanted to know what he could do to help.
She then shared it on Twitter and it got an incredible number of RTs.
I have panic & anxiety disorder. My boyfriend does not… but wants to understand it so he can help me. SO I made him this list! Feel free to share w ur loved ones that need guidance! pic.twitter.com/k8pcCfzMcj
— kelsey darragh (@kelseydarragh) May 11, 2018
The list mentions things such as the following:
- Know that I’m scared and won’t be able to explain why
- Find my meds and make sure I take them
- Remind me of breathing exercises
- Make gentle suggestions of things we could do together
- Distract me
- Give me sips of water
- I am embarrassed
- A really loose hug will make me feel safe
While not everybody’s experience of panic attacks and anxiety are the same, the above suggestions are a good starting point for dealing with a friend who’s experiencing a panic attack.
They won’t help everyone, so it’s always a good idea to ask somebody what they need from you and what would make them feel better.
You can learn more about panic attacks and how to treat them here.
