I just got a new roommate and she had an attack last night, I just couldn’t do anything as it was all new to me. What can I do to help incase of future occurrences?
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Panic attack can make it impossible for people to really hear and take in words. So speak slowly and calmly. Get the individual’s attention, you can try to turn them around to you. Repeat their name as you do this and direct them to look at you. Once our have their attention, get them to breathe — slowly, in and out. This will not only break the cycle of panic, it will slow their respiratory rate, heart rate and lower their blood pressure. This will calm them further. You can also tell the person “You’re fine, you’re safe”. Reassure them over and over. Be prepared to invest time in this. Keep your voice low, slow and calm. If you know this person and know they have an anxiety disorder and if they’re in therapy, there may be a certain phrase they’re suppose to say to help themselves at a time like this. You can say it for them.
You can help the person by staying with the person and keep calm. Offer medicine if the person usually takes it during an attack. Don’t make assumptions about what the person needs. If you are able to establish touch, this is a huge step in the calming process. Don’t assume physical contact will calm them down right away. Often, the person can be so sensitive that touch can feel like a serious threat, when the person already may feel extreme fear or apprehension.