How should you respond to someone having a panic attack?

When addressing someone who is experiencing a panic attack, responding with reassurance and encouraging slow breathing is critical. Panic attacks can be overwhelming and terrifying for the individual, often leading to feelings of helplessness and increased anxiety. By providing reassurance, you validate their experience and help to create a more supportive environment.

Encouraging slow breathing is particularly beneficial as it can help to activate the body's relaxation response. During a panic attack, individuals often experience rapid, shallow breathing, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety. By guiding them to take slow, deep breaths, you help to reduce the physiological symptoms associated with panic, such as increased heart rate and dizziness. This approach fosters a sense of control and calmness, enabling them to manage their symptoms more effectively.

Other responses, such as ignoring the individual or telling them to calm down, can lead to feelings of isolation or frustration, as they might perceive these reactions as dismissive. Removing someone from the situation might be necessary in specific cases, but it should be handled delicately, as it could intensify their fear or anxiety. The best support involves active engagement and empathetic communication, which is why reassuring the individual and promoting slow breathing is the most effective response during a panic attack.