Should they be helped to stay calm? How to do it while far away? A journalist, who has experienced them for a few years, advises.
Panic attacks come from anxiety, that is their base emotion. In a previous article we mentioned that these attacks have been related to an exacerbated and aggravating response to a misunderstood fear.
Sky Taylor, journalisthas social anxiety and, upon entering the University, he began to experience panic attacks severe and consecutively. Luckily for her, her roommate and best friend, he didn’t leave her alone and helped her cope (even from a distance, i.e. by phone). For that reason, Taylor has knowledge about what to do and say to the person who is experiencing it, and she was encouraged to share it.
Highlight that the situation may feel strange, strange or uncomfortable when the help is not in person and is provided over the phone, but it will help a lot if you keep the following in mind:
Accept the silence
The person having a panic attack is likely to call or ask to be called, but when online I can’t say a single word, simply because it doesn’t flow to him. Taylor points out that she usually shakes or cries and it’s all she can do, so greatly appreciates that the other person remains on the other end of the phone accompanying them.
Breathe with them
The person who has a panic attack usually hyperventilates quite a bit; sometimes to the point of vomiting because he can’t get enough air into his lungs and ends up drowning. If you notice that he is breathing very quickly, the recommendation is that you tell him to breathe deeply on his own and then do it at the same time as you.. She continues to do so until you notice that his breathing has evened out.
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Reassure him that you are there
During a panic attack you may feel completely alone, scared, guilty and vulnerable. Constant company will help prevent your anxiety from increasing. So Don’t leave, tell him or her that you are there for him or her and that you won’t leave.
Express how much you love him and encourage him
The lies that a person in an anxiety attack thinks and tells themselves, they believe, that is why it is important that you express how much you love them, that they are a strong person and that you are proud. If when she tells you this, her crying increases, it is because those words feel true and mean a lot. Even though he doesn’t respond to you verbally, in his mind he is thanking you for what you just did.
Mention his name when talking to him
Hearing your name before an expression means that you are being heard, validated, that you are not alone and remember; Besides, it’s not her anxiety. So, from time to time, add her name before a sentence.
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Talk about everyday life or remind them of some valuable experience
Silence is very importantso You will have to learn to read the situation to know when to speak or remain silent.. At first you can ask him what he prefers. If he wants you to talk to him, tell him about your day to distract his mind, also mention or remind him of a fun experience you shared together.
Talyer points out that he knows that at the height of panic attacks, it doesn’t help much to listen to the other person, but towards the end, it turns out to be a very good way to go from such a heavy feeling to something a little lighter.
Keep in mind that your presence meant a lot
In the midst of anxiety and shame, he won’t tell you everything he wants to tell you. Giving thanks, explaining why it happened, or telling something else is not easy for him or her. Don’t feel bad if at the end of the conversation there are no more words from him.. Just know that what you just did means more than you imagine and the gratitude on their part will be eternal.