How To Help Someone Having An Anxiety Attack?

Navigating the Storm: Aiding Someone During an Anxiety Attack

Witnessing a loved one in the throes of an anxiety attack can be akin to watching a ship caught in a tempest—both scenarios evoke a sense of helplessness, urgency, and a fervent wish to bring calm. However, with a trove of knowledge and understanding, you can anchor them through their storm. Here’s a guide to becoming a lighthouse for someone grappling with an anxiety attack.

Recognize the Signs

First off, it’s crucial to ID the symptoms. Anxiety attacks are not one-size-fits-all; they’re more like a tailor-made suit of discomfort, unique to each individual. Some common signs include rapid breathing, chest tightness, a pounding heart, trembling, and an overwhelming feeling of dread. Spotting these early can make all the difference.

1. Approach with Care, not as a Dare

When you notice someone spiraling, approach them with a gentle, non-confrontational demeanor. Your voice should be softer than a whisper in a library, offering them a lifeline of peace amidst their internal chaos.

2. Listen Like Your Ears are on Loan

In moments of heightened anxiety, the person affected may want to vent or may struggle to articulate their experience. Listen like it’s a privilege. Validate their feelings without dismissing them; sometimes, a “That sounds incredibly tough” goes a mammoth mile further than a “You’ll be fine.”

3. Create a Bubble of Calm

Your mission, should you choose to accept it, involves crafting an aura of tranquility. Guide them to a quieter spot if you’re in a noisy area. Use calming gestures, but remember, personal space is as sacred as Sunday brunch, so ask before you initiate any physical contact.

4. Breathing: The Invisible Lifeline

Breathing exercises are the unsung heroes of calming techniques. Encourage slow, deep inhalations through the nose and exhalations through the mouth. Picture yourself as a coach in the World Calming Championships; clear, encouraging instructions can lead them to a win against their anxiety attack.

5. Stay Put, but Don’t Overstay

Be the rock they can lean on but know when your presence has filled its purpose. Sometimes, after the peak of an attack, a person may need space to realign themselves. Offer continued support but respect their need for solitude if they indicate it.

Follow-Up: The Unsung Hero of Support

Once the storm passes, don’t let your support fade with it. Following up is like the post-credits scene that ties everything together. A simple “How are you feeling today?” can reinforce that you care, not just in the eye of the storm but in the clear skies that follow.

• Educate Yourself: Dive into the sea of information about anxiety disorders. The more you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to offer meaningful support.
• Encourage Professional Support: While your support is invaluable, the guidance of a mental health professional is irreplaceable. Be an advocate for therapy or counseling, recognizing that professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In the end, aiding someone during an anxiety attack is less about performing heroic acts and more about being there, genuinely and patiently. It’s about proving that through their turmoil, they’re not adrift at sea alone—you’re there, shining a light back to calm waters.