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Panic attacksare characterized by a combination of mental, emotional, and physical symptoms.
These attacks typically begin with a sense of dread, nervousness, and fear.
People who have panic attacks often have no control over when their symptoms will strike.
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For people with panic disorder, these attacks come on suddenly, without any warning or cause.
It is truly kind for someone to try and help a person through these challenging symptoms.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Read ahead for some ideas on what not to say to someone during a panic attack.
If a person could simply calm down and stop having a panic attack, they would.
You may think you are helping to redirect the person by telling him to calm down.
In reality, it can just cause them to be more aware and self-conscious of their symptoms.
Reinforcing that the persons fear is unfounded can increase ones sense ofanxiety.
Instead of bringing the lack of threat to their attention, try being a voice of encouragement.
Use a soothing voice and simply remind them that you are there for them.
Youre Embarrassing Yourself
This just comes across as a truly insensitive comment.
Instead of further shaming the person, tryaffirmingtheir strength.
Let them know that you are there to be supportive and that they have no reason to feel shame.
They may already feel humiliated, so it can be most helpful to remain positive.
Youre Overreacting
These few words can be tremendously discouraging for a person facing a panic attack.
You will get better results if you attempt to put the person at ease.
National Institute of Mental Health.Panic disorder: when fear overwhelms.
Mendoza L, Navines R, Crippa JA, et al.Depersonalization and personality in panic disorder.Compr Psychiatry.
2011;52(4):413-9. doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2010.09.002
