whowasntthere:

herooftheuniverse:

This is one of the most useful posts I’ve seen in a while.

I’d like to add:

• Safe Space - Removing them from the situation is fine, but often people experiencing panic attacks will want to retreat to a safe space once out of the initial experience/trigger. Help them get there safely and quickly - usually either their home or somewhere isolated where they can sit down.
• Hydration - People experiencing panic attacks will often feel parched because their adrenaline is running. Providing them with something cold to drink, preferably water or something that’s decaffeinated or contains electrolytes is a great help.
• Stay Calm Yourself - You’ll only escalate the situation if you do any of these things with a sense of panic or worry. Stay Zen and be supportive and present.
• Cold Compress - People experiencing panic attacks will often feel overheated, so a cold compress or wet washcloth can help calm them. Also, they may experience an “anxiety rash,” so a cold compress can soothe the itching.
• DO NOT RESTRAIN THEM - Seriously. This is the biggest mistake people make - don’t try to hold them still or confine them to a small area they don’t want to be in. This will escalate things quickly.
• Seek Medical Help - If they become extremely agitated, use your own judgement of when it is alright to seek medical help. Especially if they suffer from heart conditions or asthma, failure to seek medical attention could be deadly.

And just as an added note: Anyone can have a panic attack. Just because they’re a lumbering giant of a guy who is usually outgoing doesn’t mean they’re immune to having a panic attack. Be sure to look for the symptoms of one and know what to do if the situation arises.