How do you help som1 havin a panic attack?

badfish

Regular Member

Joined : Feb 2008

Posts : 393

Posted 3/26/2008 1:59 PM (GMT 0)

Hey every1, I've never had a panic attack (wen u get really short of breath etc..) but my EX suffers wiv them it can be really scary to see her struggle to breathe, almost like shes ashmatic, jus wondered wht som1 can do to help wen they see som1 having a breathless panic attack.

Ant

wen4003

Veteran Member

Joined : Aug 2007

Posts : 1193

Posted 3/26/2008 6:35 PM (GMT 0)

One thing that helps me while I'm having an attack, is for my husband to talk calmly and quietly to me. This helps me to refocus on something other than what is causing the stress by telling me that nothing is going to hurt me and that everything is okay. If I can refocus my attention, I'm able to calm down. Wen

Howlyncat

Elite Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 24909

Posted 3/26/2008 8:12 PM (GMT 0)

Great input Wen
I too think this is a good idea....also have her learn self help techniques like deep breathing and relaxation skills ......there is a thread on this page I believe of the Relaxation tech's
She is very welcome to come here to badfish......CBT is great as well IMHO

Luvs
LYN

getting by

Forum Moderator

Joined : Sep 2007

Posts : 45296

Posted 3/26/2008 10:28 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Badfish,

You have gotten some very good advice. My late husband had emphazema and was also dieing of cancer. He had a breathing attack and I had him breathe through his nose but exhale through the mouth. I told him to smell the roses and blow out the candles. Also pursed lip breathing can help.

Talking to her to get her to relax is also a good idea. But the breathing gets you to focus on something other than the attack. Remember in through the nose and out through the mouth. I hope that you will be able to help your friend if this occurs again.

hugs, Karen

nervymeg

Veteran Member

Joined : Jul 2006

Posts : 2721

Posted 3/27/2008 1:30 AM (GMT 0)

Lyn, Wen and karen have already said it for me...calming words and voices. I do find though, that I hate to be touched when I have an attack...it's just too constricting. I find also that a warm bath (if I can sit still) can help..or just putting something funny and familiar on the telly..hope this helps you both out.

Aussieangel

Veteran Member

Joined : Sep 2006

Posts : 510

Posted 3/27/2008 9:54 AM (GMT 0)

For me having someone around to comfort and support me with breathing and just reminding me this will pass.

Howlyncat

Elite Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 24909

Posted 3/27/2008 12:27 PM (GMT 0)

All great input for you to help your ex Badfish
Hope you do get to reading my friend.
Lyn

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