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Panic disorder is on the rise in America today. Although most sufferers of Panic Disorder have the condition under control, there are still circumstances where a sufferer may have a severe panic attack in a public place. If this happens, there are thing that anyone can do which will make the attack easier to deal with for all involved.
1 – Keep calm. The last thing someone needs while having a panic attack is to have others around them panic, too. Speak calmly, reassuring the afflicted individual that the situation is not what it appears to be. Keep in mind, that what they feel is very surreal and their whole world has been turned upside down. In their mind, no one understands what they are going through.
2 – Don’t get carried away. Most of the times, it really isn’t necessary to call 911. However, if they have injured themselves or someone else do make that call. The medics on the scene won’t treat the attack any differently than you would. Remember, when someone is afflicted by a panic attack they are already ashamed and embarrassed and any added chaos will make it worse. Sirens and lot of carrying on will make this harder for them, so remove them to a quite area if possible and try to keep them calm, talking them through things until it passes.
3 – People or open spaces may be a challenge. Try to locate a spot where you can take the person suffering where they are not surrounded by these two likely triggers (unless the episode happens in a crowded place like an elevator where close quarters may be a trigger). Reassure those around you that everything is fine, and that they should give the person suffering some space and time.
4 – Determine if the person takes medication, and help them locate it. When undergoing an attack they probably will recall what they are taking and their dosage, but it might escape their mind as to where they put it. Calming them down without pointing fingers will help them to calm down and stir their memory. Pushing them to locate medicine right away will make things worse and panic them further. Your job is to just bring calm to the environment.
5 – Stay with the sufferer until the attack passes. Very rarely does an attack last longer than half an hour. In most cases, it is over and the sufferer completely back to normal in less than 15 minutes. Remaining with the sufferer lessens the chance of the attack returning.
To find out more how to Stop Panic Attacks, visit Yuval Harpaz’s site at www.stressfreeport.com and download a FREE self-help guide on how to Start Reducing Stress NOW for your needs.
