Signs of a Panic Attack- by Addien ap Rees

Like my last post, these signs may not be true for everyone and there are many other signs that I will cover. It all depends on the person, setting, and situation, but these are good to keep in mind.

Signs:

- can’t breathe 

- crying

- extremely heavy feeling on chest

- disassociation

- fading in and out of reality

- hyperventilating 

- shaking 

- rocking back and forth 

- lashing out at others and not wanting to see anyone else

- inflicting physical harm on yourself ex: digging nails into skin, punching/hitting/slapping things 

- blurry vision 

- being unable to communicate clearly or not wanting to (getting choked up on words)

- mind is racing a thousand miles an hour 

- yelling or becoming silent  (usually one or the other)

How You Can Help 

-don’t be overly touchy

-give them space

-be calm and collected even though the other person might not be 

-give reassurances “it’s going to be okay, just keep breathing” “I’m here for you” 

-try to keep the person going through the panick attack in a quiet, private, and safe environment so they can feel as comfortable as possible and do not hurt themselves or others by accident 

-be accommodating to the other person and open minded about the situation 

-DO NOT SAY: “why are you freaking out chill” “you’re literally fine” “just calm down” “you’re just doing this for attention” 

- never invalidate or put down the other person for going through a panic attack 

-no brainer: NEVER film another person going through a panic attack and always respect their privacy (not telling others that they went through a panic attack)