A person who is prone to panic will go to great lengths to avoid situations that cause them discomfort. But this can be far from easy. The daily task of shaping their world to accommodate their needs can be exhausting. Often the person will be highly anxious and predict panic situations only to find it doesn’t happen. This can make supporting someone with panic a highly erratic experience.
Giving support
Supporting someone who suffers with panic can be offered in different ways. At a practical level it may be to help persuade the person that their attempts at avoidance aren’t working and they might need to seek professional help.
Helping a loved one or friend to find a therapist and then agreeing to accompany them can be very supportive. However, many people fearful of panic can feel fairly secure if they have a reliable person with them. This can be a useful first step in pointing out that, with the right guidance and support, they can feel better and could potentially be cured.
Imagine you may are the person giving support. There are a couple of handy things to keep in mind. First it’s unwise to keep asking them how they are feeling. Why? Well it serves to remind them of their problems rather than focusing on the fact they are behaving in a way that is normal.
Secondly, giving praise for accomplishments is always welcome, but if things don’t go as well as hoped, give some reassurance and steer the person back on track.
Left to their own devices a panic sufferer, who quite possibly experiences agoraphobia too, may be reluctant to leave the security of their home. Those with less severe symptoms may be able to get around very familiar routes, but have great concerns about venturing further unless accompanied by someone they trust.
Supporter Burdens
As someone who gives support you may feel an uneasy burden of responsibility. You too may find some days easier than others and some situations more taxing to cope with. Keep in mind that anyone who experiences high levels of anxiety tends to have good and bad days. The fact that you were able to go around the shops yesterday does not necessarily mean you’ll be able to today.
It can be frustrating but try not to challenge the person by pointing out obvious discrepancies in their behavior. By that I mean sometimes they seem fine and at other times they don’t. It’s almost inevitable they already know and there’s a danger they will feel even further embarrassed and self-conscious and use this as a reason to withdraw more.
About Panic
Panic can hit quickly. You may find yourself strolling along only to find the person with you suddenly comes to a halt and is beginning to struggle with their breathing. They probably look extremely alarmed and may start to shake, stagger and reach out for something to grab hold of. In situations like this the person is feeling very unsafe and extremely insecure.
Assuming both you and they realize this is a panic event and not a genuine medical emergency, you can help by physically supporting the person – just holding the arm will probably do. Remind them this has happened before, that they will come out of it and then remind them to focus on their breathing and to breath normally. Rapid shallow breathing or big deep breaths can make the person feel light headed and simply adds to symptoms.
Take what the person says to you at face value. If they say they need to leave now, they mean it. If they ask not be left alone, don’t leave them. Specific requests like this occur when the person feels especially vulnerable. Remember, they are probably already extending their usual boundaries by being with you and it may not take much to tip the balance.
Despite all your care and precautions the person may still have panic attacks. This isn’t your responsibility. You are doing what you can to give support and that’s all anyone can reasonably ask of you.
See also:
Using mindfulness to promote your health and wellness
How I built resilience
Positive breathing exercises