How To Help During Anxiety Attack?

Lending a Hand in the Midst of Anxiety

In a world that never hits the pause button, it’s no wonder that anxiety attacks are becoming more common among folks of all walks of life. Whether it’s your buddy, a family member, or a co-worker, watching someone grapple with an anxiety attack can leave you feeling pretty helpless. But here’s the kicker – you’re far from powerless. Knowing how to effectively help someone during an anxiety attack can be a game-changer for both you and the person experiencing it.

Techniques That Make a Difference

A Little Goes a Long Way

1. Keep Your Cool: First things first, keep your own cool. Your serenity can be contagious, and that’s exactly what’s needed. Anxiety has a way of distorting reality, and your calm presence can act as an anchor.

2. Don’t Dismiss Their Feelings: Saying things like “Just relax” or “It’s all in your head” might seem well-intentioned, but they rarely, if ever, help. Instead, try acknowledging their struggle. A simple “I know you’re feeling really scared right now, but I’m here with you,” lets them know they’re not alone.

3. Breathe Together: Sometimes, words can’t pierce through the fog of an anxiety attack, but breathing can. Guide them through a breathing exercise – inhale slowly for four counts, hold for a moment, and exhale slowly for four counts. Doing it together makes it all the more powerful, kind of like a tandem bike for calming down.

4. Offer Options, Don’t Demand: Anxiety often stems from feeling out of control. So, when offering help, phrase it as a choice. “Would you like to go for a walk, or would it help to sit down here for a while?” This small gesture can give some control back to them.

5. Construct a Distraction: Sometimes distraction is the best tactic. Engage them in a simple, grounding activity. From spotting objects of a specific color around them to playing a quick game on your phone. The key is to slowly shift their focus away from the onslaught of anxiety.

The Aftermath: Riding Out The Storm Together

Once the immediate storm of an anxiety attack begins to recede, it’s crucial to touch base. Discussing what happened can provide invaluable insights for both of you. It’s an opportunity to understand triggers better and to refine your approach should another anxiety attack occur. Keep the convo light and non-judgmental. Remember, it’s a debrief, not an inquisition.

Moreover, encourage them to seek professional guidance if these oceanic tides of anxiety become too frequent. Professional therapists or counselors can offer strategies and treatments tailored to the individual’s experience.

Wrapping It Up With a Bow

Helping someone through an anxiety attack is a blend of art and science – a delicate balance between being present and giving space, between distracting and grounding. While it’s no walk in the park, your support can light up what feels like an endlessly dark tunnel for the person caught in the throes of anxiety. Remember, a little empathy, patience, and understanding can go a long way. And who knows? Your support might just be the lifeline they needed.