Supporting Loved Ones Through Panic Attacks

Are you looking for support in understanding and helping a loved one who is experiencing panic attacks? Join us for a free digital group therapy session to discuss signs, symptoms, and strategies to provide support. We'll explore the physical and psychological effects of panic attacks, as well as share tips and helpful advice on how to best support a loved one through this difficult time. Come join us and learn practical tools to assist in providing the best possible support for your loved one.

What we covered

If you are looking for support in understanding and helping a loved one who is experiencing panic attacks, you are in the right place. In this digital group therapy session, we will discuss the signs, symptoms, and strategies to provide support for a loved one through a panic attack. We will explore the physical and psychological effects of panic attacks, as well as share tips and helpful advice on how to best support a loved one through this difficult time.

What Is a Panic Attack?

A panic attack is an intense and overwhelming feeling of fear, terror, or apprehension that comes on suddenly and without warning. It is accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, trembling, and sweating. The physical symptoms can be so severe that they can seem like a heart attack or other life-threatening medical emergency.

The experience of a panic attack is often accompanied by feelings of impending doom, fear of losing control, and a sense of detachment from reality. It can be an incredibly frightening and overwhelming experience, and it is important to remember that it is not a medical emergency.

Signs and Symptoms of a Panic Attack

It can be difficult to recognize the signs and symptoms of a panic attack in a loved one, since the symptoms can often be interpreted as just being anxious or stressed. It is important to be aware of the physical and psychological symptoms of a panic attack, so you can recognize if your loved one is having one.

Common physical symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness
• Hot or cold flashes
• Trembling or shaking
• Sweating

Common psychological symptoms of a panic attack include:

• Fear of losing control or dying
• A sense of detachment from reality
• Intense fear or terror
• Feeling of impending doom
• Feeling of being overwhelmed

Strategies for Supporting a Loved One Through a Panic Attack

Panic attacks can be incredibly frightening and overwhelming for both the person experiencing it and the people around them. It is important to remember that a panic attack is not a medical emergency and can be managed with the right strategies and support.

Here are some tips and advice on how to best support a loved one through a panic attack:

• Validate their feelings: It is important to let your loved one know that their feelings are valid and that you are there to support them. Acknowledge that what they are feeling is real, and that it is ok to feel scared or overwhelmed.

• Encourage them to focus on their breath: Deep breathing can help to calm the body and reduce the physical symptoms of a panic attack. Encourage your loved one to take slow, deep breaths, and to focus on the breath as it moves in and out.

• Distract them from the thoughts: Remind your loved one to focus on the present moment, and to try to distract themselves from the thoughts and feelings associated with the panic attack. Encourage them to focus on their surroundings and to engage in calming activities such as listening to music or reading a book.

• Reassure them that it will pass: Remind your loved one that the panic attack will eventually pass and that they will be ok. Reassure them that you are there for them and that you will support them through it.

Conclusion

If you are looking for support in understanding and helping a loved one who is experiencing panic attacks, join us for a free digital group therapy session to discuss signs, symptoms, and strategies to provide support. We'll explore the physical and psychological effects of panic attacks, as well as share tips and helpful advice on how to best support a loved one through this difficult time. Come join us and learn practical tools to assist in providing the best possible support for your loved one.