Anxiety Attacks: What to Know and How to Support Loved Ones Going Through One
- Author: Willis Goldner
- Posted: 2024-08-12
The hit show "Ted Lasso" has put the spotlight on panic attacks. As one of the most common mental illnesses in the US, millions of Americans suffer from anxiety and the resulting debilitating attacks. Even if you have never had one of these attacks yourself, you likely know somebody who has. Witnessing a panic attack by a loved one can be a frightening experience. Here is how you can support someone on the verge of having one of these events.
Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety
Before you understand how to respond to an anxiety attack, you need to learn more about general anxiety. The major symptoms of anxiety fall into three categories: physical manifestations, anxious thoughts, and anxious behaviors.
Physical symptoms include profuse sweating, nausea, lightheadedness, chest pain, racing heart rate, diarrhea, and fatigue. Anxious thoughts manifest as constant worrying about things that you cannot control and regular feelings of impending doom. Anxious behaviors include the constant need for reassurance, irritability, and compulsive actions.
Symptoms of a Panic Attack
While many people use the terms panic attack and anxiety attack interchangeably, they are actually the same event. In general terms, a panic attack can be the result of increased anxiety. Understanding all of the symptoms of generalized anxiety can help you to identify a panic attack when you see one in somebody else.
Some of the most obvious signs of somebody experiencing a panic attack include sweaty skin, nonsensical words, restlessness, trembling of the body, and intense irritability. If the person has experienced a panic attack before, they may be able to verbalize to you that it is coming on.
What to Do if You Suspect a Panic Attack
It is important to act quickly if you suspect someone around you is having a panic attack. The first step is to rule out a medical condition. Many of the most common signs of panic attacks are similar to the symptoms of serious medical issues. For example, the early stages of a panic attack may mimic a heart attack. This is why it is important to rule out an acute medical event that may require immediate attention.
The next thing to do is to recognize their discomfort. You do not want to downplay the attack. Instead, you want to validate their feelings and let them know that you understand they are having a panic attack and that it is extremely difficult for them. After you have recognized the incident for what it is, you should remind them that they are in no physical danger and that this attack will pass.
Once you have offered all of this validation, now is the time to take active steps to calm their mind and body. Remind them to take small breaths rather than large gulps of air. You also need to talk slowly and softly. Raising your voice and telling them to calm down will likely do just the opposite.
What Not to Do
In addition to versing yourself in what to do to support someone through a panic attack, it is also prudent to know what not to do. One of the worst things to do is to tell the victim to take a deep breath. Swallowing a big gulp of air will only exacerbate the problem. Telling them to calm down also sends the message that they have a reason to be upset.
After the Attack
After the attack has passed, many people suffer through a series of smaller aftershocks. Be sure to stay with them through this process, reminding them to stay focused and calm. This is a good time to remind them that they made it through the attack and that everything is fine.
If a person experiences multiple panic attacks, it is time to address the issue with a medical professional. Anxiety is treatable through a variety of interventions, including medication, mental health counseling, and behavioral modifications. Many people find a vast improvement in their anxiety once they are able to recognize the symptoms and treat them accordingly.
Understanding the general signs of anxiety and the resulting attacks can put you in a better position to support those who may deal with this debilitating condition.
