How should you respond to a person having a panic attack?

When a person is experiencing a panic attack, responding with calm reassurance and encouraging slow breathing is crucial. This approach helps to create a supportive environment, which can alleviate some of the anxiety and fear the individual is feeling. Panic attacks can make individuals feel out of control and overwhelmed, so having someone who remains calm and provides gentle support can be incredibly grounding.

Encouraging slow, deep breaths is particularly effective because it can help to counteract the hyperventilation that often accompanies a panic attack. By focusing on their breath, the individual may be able to regain a sense of control and reduce the intensity of their symptoms. This method fosters a sense of safety and allows the person to focus on something tangible rather than the overwhelming feelings associated with the panic attack.

In contrast, leaving the person alone can exacerbate feelings of isolation and fear, telling them to stop overreacting dismisses their experience and can increase feelings of shame or anxiety, while encouraging physical activity may be unhelpful during an acute episode when the person is likely to need stillness and reassurance.