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in the 4th grade (2 years ago) i had one but the nurse said i was fine a told me to back to lunch i told my mom when i got home and we went to the hospital to check my hart.
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Excellent video content! Sorry for the intrusion, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you researched - Koryzary Calmer Ambience (do a search on google)? It is an awesome one off product for getting rid of panic attacks without the hard work. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my best friend Jordan at very last got astronomical results with it.
Here's another tip: If the person having the panic attack asks you to leave them alone, do it. After it has happened, don't immediately ambush the person over why this has happened.
Shelby Shofner oh my shit it drives me crazy when as soon as the panic attack starts to go away and I feel myself returning to normal someone corners me and goes “what happened. What caused it. Is it something i did?” Like yes. Please make my discomfort 100% about you while I’m still trying to regain my sense of self here. I don’t owe you an explanation. ESPECIALLY if it was something the person did as it’s not their fault unless they did something they know triggers you.
Shelby Shofner I had a panic attack today and it was my first. I could not talk because of my rapid breathing, let alone answer the questions everyone was asking. A girl just hugged me and called for help, and that honestly helped.
I'm always scared to ask people to leave me alone, because I dont want them to take it personally. But there was a time where I did (through yes and no questions), and they refused to leave??
My mom does that. The counselor had to tell her to stop asking so many questions. She did it anyways. I get a lot of panic attacks out of nowhere and when she asks why I get them, I can't respond because I don't know.
Shelby Shofner true but for some people even when they say leave me alone you really shouldn’t just keep a distance and calmly say ” I’m going to be stay here and try to help, I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do”
My friend and i both have panic attacks and when she has hers she wants hugs and it helps her to talk it out. When i had my first she got mad at me and called me selfish because i wanted to be left alone and not talk.
I wish this is something the schools show because I had the most horrible experience with my team captain sternly yelling at me to calm down and I felt so awfully uncomfortable with her touching me when I didn't want to get touched and I felt the eyes of other people looking at me. That's when stress went more on me and I had to bite my tongue to not make more noise. Since then, I fear going through panic attacks around people. I would love to prevent other people from this sort of care.
Carat Fan i have only had one panic attack. I was at my dads house. He was at work and his wife was home. I woke up and she was telling me all these things that i had to do that day and that my dad was mad that i had my phone in my room. Thats when i started to have the panic attack. I was crying and hyperventilating into my hands trying to slow my breathing. This lasted for maybe an hour. She came into my room. She said that i needed to be more mature and threatened that she would have to call my dad and that he would be very mad about leaving work. She also threatened to call my mom and said that she would be mad at me. She called my grandmother and the concern in my grandmother's voice brought me out of my panic attack. I never told anyone about it.
Carat Fan I completely agree I once had a really bad panic attack in school so I went to the school nurse. She told me it would help to walk around and at that point I hadn't had many panic attacks before so I followed her out into the hallway. Walking around with all the people in the halls staring at me made it much worse, and I started hyperventilating even more than before. Instead of being helpful in anyway, she told me to stop and breath. I really tried but when I couldn't slow down my breaths she grabbed me by the shoulders and practically yelled at me to calm down. I might understand if it was a teacher or someone else that didn't know how to react or help, but it was literally the school nurse.
I agree. I had my first panic attack when I was eight at my dance class, and nobody knew what to do. I can easily say that it was one of the scariest moments I've experienced, and not having anyone who knew what to do or help just made it worse.
So. . . I have panic attacks. A LOT so far this school year i have had 11 and its only been four days. Most of them being moderate ones. None of them getting to the point where im hyperventilating. But the only thing that the school listened to was the fact that i cant eat in the lunc room. So i sit in the hall. But the hall monitors did not get this memo and on the second day of school told me that i cant have food in the hallways. . .
I've been having panic attacks at school recently, and I wish one of my friends could understand I just can't "calm down" (at least not right away). I need help with my panic attack, but all I get is complaining and people looking at me like I'm a psycho. One of my friends does help me though, she is pretty good at calming me down when I have anxiety, just her telling me everything will be fine and making me laugh and reassuring me puts me at ease and calms me down quite fast actually. The worst thing is though, I'm always there for the one friend but he's never there for me... Edit: Sorry for venting...
When I had my first panic attack, I went to the ER and I'm glad I did. I was sure I was dying and I had never experienced that level of intense fear. To this day I haven't had one as bad as that. I was shaking uncontrollably and my heart was racing at about 145 bpm, if I hadn't gone I wouldn't have known it was a panic attack. Something that helps me is knowing my triggers. I don't read webmd type pages if I'm concerned, because a lot of my panicking is caused by worrying about my health.
So... when i was a child my panic attacks were me shaking for about two minutes then throw up. . . At first we had no idea what it was. . . Then my mom found out that it was a panic attack.
B. R. This is exactly how I feel too. I try to avoid worrying and knowing more about my panic attacks or anything medical because it's what triggers it a lot of times because I start overthinking it. Even this video was a bit hard to sit through because I had to refocuse my mind to calm not start thinking about it.
Don't ask "are you okay," because that question is extremely overwhelming, especially when three people are asking at the same time or withing a very short amount of time. I can't say 'yes' because it's obvious that I'm not but at the same time, I don't want to acknowledge that I'm not fine because it makes things seem even worse. Edit: a better thing to say instead of "are you okay," would be "do you need to leave," "do you need to sit down" or just say "I'm here for you," as a way to acknowledge their panic attack if it's really obvious that they're in a panic attack.
I had a panic attack in front of my employer and he just kept asking "Are you okay?" " What's wrong? " I ended up screaming and sobbing that I was having a panic attack, and I felt pushed to answering.
PLEASE for the love of GOD DO NOT tell me (sternly, calmly, or yelling) to "stop" "calm down" etc... It is literally THE most unhelpful thing, especially if you include the fact that what I'm freaking out about is stupid, nothing, no reason to get so worked up blah blah blah Chances are, I ALREADY KNOW THIS!!! If I had control over it and logical thinking helped, I would NEVER have a panic/anxiety attack! I wish I could just STOP and whatnot, but I can't, no matter how hard I try. And the harder I try, the worse I get, starting to think about wtf is wrong with me, why I'm acting like this, how I look, what people are thinking, why can't I just be "normal", etc... And also, even if I ACT or appear annoyed by your calm voice and attempts to help me, PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY!! There aren't even words to describe how much I appreciate it when someone sticks by my side and doesn't take my words/actions w.e. personally and then throw it in my face later or when I'm calmed down or worse, during the attack. For me, things like bright lights and basically ANY noise that isn't a fan or sometimes music, make me worse and occasionally annoyed/angry. I may act like or directly tell you to leave me alone, shut up, or just start kinda "flailing" around whenever you speak, but as long as you're not trying to tell me something I listed above or something similar, it's soooooooooo appreciated, even if I can't verbalize it. I'm not angry or annoyed at you or being rude (intentionally) there's just so much going on in my head, anything extra is just too much, which sometimes pushes me into a state of having so much going through my head and feeling so much, that I'll suddenly be completely numb in every way possible. So much going on upstairs and so many thoughts racing, that my mind is blank. So much emotion, I feel nothing anymore. Like a zombie. Tears could still be flowing out, yet I can't feel sadness, panic/fear, anything, often having to remember to take a breath or I just don't breathe at all, not even hyperventilating... Sorry got a little off topic/point at the end, but that's my two cents...
My personal favorite, is when my not so smart roommate actually asked me "uhhh are you sure it's not a heart attack?" yeah that's what you should do, freak someone out even more by making them think they are dying!!
@@Victor_Graves oh I know it. I once saw a doctor and told him about my panic attacks, and he actually told me I was having a heart attack just to get me to leave so he could close up early
Today i had a panic attack in class, i went to the restroom to calm down , a friend followed me, she was standing in front of the door talking to me but i didn't wanted to hear anything ,she crawled under the door and toched my head so i could calm down but i didn't wanted her to touch me so it just went worse because she was standing there trying to hug me and i just wanted to be alone so i could calm down. It was horrible
Tako koro while youre still calm, make sure to tell her what she should and shouldn't do when you're having an attack because she just might be overly worried or just didn't know what else to do
Eugh, that sucks :/ I'm usually left alone because no one ever gets any signals when I suddenly leave. It actually sometimes makes it worse for me because there's nobody there for me. I'm usually someone who loves physical contact, but when things like panic/anxiety attacks happen, it just doesn't help
Tako koro I probably would of yelled at her. I hate when people touch me like that. I don’t mind hugs or someone grabbing my hand or having an arm around me or even touching my hair but only when I’m in a good mood. If someone touches my scalp though or my neck I get really on edge at any mood because of bad experiences. I would explain to her that you know she’s trying to help you but that you prefer being alone in times like that. Tell her that you appreciate her gesture and her trying to help but that in those moments the best way she can help is by leaving you alone and supporting you when you come to her afterwards.
Oof.. that's quite an intense break of personal space. Even going so far as to climb under the door when you obviously wanted to be alone? Yikes. But I understand she thought she was helping,,, I personally might've lost it if someone did that to me
I’ve had many panic attacks, one time a boy at my school was having his first and all the teachers were freaking out. So I told them that I knew what he was going through and I made them all stop (we were in the hallway) and I talked him through it and we ended up being really good friends after that
If you ever see someone having a panic attack, listen to them. If they need you for emotional support, stay by their side. If they need you to get someone, do it. If they want to be left alone, leave them alone! We know that we are panicking and it's embarrassing, but we have no control. It happens quite litterally out of nowhere.
Don't get frustrated if they don't verbally respond, don't be condescending or patronizing and remind them it'll all be ok and that the panic attack is only temporary
I had one in class once and everyone was yelling at me 'ARE YOU OK? OH MY GOD WHAT'S WRONG ARE YOU OK?' and then a nurse led me out by the shoulders and I was freaking the fuck out
I have panic attacks all the time but I never cry during them and my friends say I’m just faking it but it’s rly scary and I wish I could show them this cuz I’m the video it doesn’t even mention crying so if crying isn’t a main factor I’m not faking it it’s rly scary
Sometimes I cry, sometimes I dont. It depends on what triggered it for me. If it was the dark, I normally dont. But if it was a food trigger, I want to start sobbing.
My friends also think my anxiety is fake. I don't cry if I have panic attacks. I usually find it hard to breathe and I don't feel like I am in the room (I feel usually very vacant...) I cannot focus on anything and I begin to shake. I usually get them in classes where I am spoken to by someone I don't know or if I'm asked a question. If your friends don't believe you. They aren't real friends. A panic attack is hard for others to see usually. If anything. Talk to a councillor about your anxiety levels and it could make everything easier :) Edit** I have actually been diagnosed with Social and generalised anxiety by a GP.
BUNNY 2003 explain to them that for everyone it’s different. Some people have inner panic attacks where they just go blank as they implode inside and often times end up going hysterical or just completely shut down. Others shake and hyperventilate and tug at their hair as they sob. I’ve seen some where they just pace and are mumbling but if you try touching them or talking to them they will scream at you and keep moving around with occasional short sobs in between. I’ve experienced all of these and it is different for everyone. My panic attack is not the same as the panic attack of my friends. My panic attacks aren’t the same as my parents or sisters. My sister doesn’t want people touching her and she gets really shaky but doesn’t cry and just hyperventilates. So if you explain to them that it is different for everyone they may be more understand and if you explain to them how it hurts when you’re having one and they aren’t serious and it just makes it worse. Try describing what it feels like to them. They may just be ignorant to the subject.
I don't usually cry during anxiety attacks, but I do cry during a panic attack from immediate on-sight trigger. Usually my anxiety attacks are the result of something that happened a few days to a few weeks prior to the actual attack.
One of the things that's helped me is listing the things you can sense, i.e. like trying to mentally note three things I can see, hear, and feel, and maybe even smell or taste depending on the situation It's just a really good way of reminding yourself that you are still here and you're not losing touch with reality, which is something that someone undergoing a panic attack can begin to think
Something I do is try to mentally visualize where I am. I usually think Inward going out, an example of what I would say/think to myself would be: I'm in ___ seat which is in ____ room which is in ___ building which is in ___ city, and so on until you feel okay. And if that doesn't work then I try to focus on anything other than what's going on in my mind and sometimes it makes things less fuzzy and chaotic. I hope this helps anyone that also suffers from anxiety and/or panic attacks, have a good rest of the day! 😊
It may take some explaining to do after the attack is over... Some people may mean well but they take it personally or as a direct rejection of their help and support.
rat-atat -tat I was once having an attack and my crush at that point tried to calm me down by putting his hand on one of my shoulders (I think you can see where this is going). Anyway, I lose it and start screaming at him to leave me alone. When he didn't move his hand, I lost it and ran into a door frame, getting a concussion. Good times.
rat-atat -tat I have haphephobia (the fear of touch or being touched). People always get angry with me and take it personally and say that I need to change that.
People seem to be sharing their first panic attack stories so I guess its my turn. It was a couple months ago in Chinese. At the start of every class a student will go in front of the class and ask the class the daily questions like: what time is it?, whats the weather today?, and whats the date? It was my turn to complete this task. Like usual I sheepishly walked to the front of the class. “What’s the -“ I stopped, something came over me and I started to panic. Hyperventilating, tears stared to steadily run down my face and fall to the floor. The world felt like it was going to collapse, I thought it was. My head turned around the room looking for some help, something to prevent what I thought was going to happen. None of my classmates knew what was going on. My friends didn’t know what to do so they just stared as I fell to the floor sobbing and breathing uncontrollably. A calming voice asked, “hey, is it ok if i touch you?” Nodding my head my friend helped me outside and away from the sight of my classmates. She helped me calm down, though it took a while. When I was ready I entered the class with only five minutes left. Immediately my friends came up to me and asked what happened. Its taken some time but I think they know and understand the best they can about my anxiety and how to help me. I’m very fortunate to have such caring friends. Not everyone has that. If your reading up to this point thank you I don’t expect many people if any to see this comment.
Random Commenter a similar thing happened to me in Maths when i had to answer a question. I started freakingg out and hyperventilating and stuff, I asked my teacher if I could go to the bathroom to calm down and he said that I was fine and just overreacting and continued to make me answer the question and I just had to sit there in class, having a panic attack whilst everyone stared at me like I was a baby
I like it when someone is talking to me and rubbing my back when im in a panic attack because to me, it shows they care. Only once had i thought I would actually faint from it, but thankfully someone helped me calm down. When I'm left alone, i might calm down, but never in a good state of mind. I'll be very agitated if I'm left alone to calm myself down after a panic attack because while I'm back in control of my breathing, I'm still on guard and extremely defensive.
This one time my aunt forced me and my sister to go to this over crowded Mc.Donald's and I had a really bad panic attack and I was shaking and my sister held my hand to try to get me to calm down but I ended up just swatting her hand away, eating really fast then running out while crying. Tip: If the person having a panic attack is in a really crowded place get them de hecc out of there, don't try to comfort them so you can still be that place, even if it's your favorite place to be in the whole world, if you care about the other person go somewhere quiet, relaxing, and peaceful with a minimum of about 2-3 other people. I hope this helps. 💜
Ruby Knight yes I definitely agree. If I have a panic attack even in the most favorite place in the world because it’s crowded either someone needs to get me out of there and pull me into a bathroom or somewhere secluded and they can walk off for a bit and come back in 5 minutes to see if I’m over it and ask if I need anything. I prefer being alone in those moments and often calm down quick once I’m out of the situation. But trying to hold me or talk me down is not a good idea because it ends up either extending the attack, making it worse, or I blow up.
I had a panic attack in an over crowded McDonalds too, I asked if we're taking it away as I normally ask (because I hate public places lol) and we had to eat in the McDonalds. There were girls my age and I swear to god they were looking at me eat with my Dad whilst they were on their own, acting all cool (even though they shouldn't be in such a crowded area on their own) and I silently panicked. I hate going places with my parents for that one reason of being embarrassed
I disagree on one point. Sometimes, (if you know the person and their preference), it's best to leave the person alone. Maintain a distance. Stay close enough to keep an eye out, just in case, but leave them be. Bottom line is: just ask what they need. Sometimes they can tell you. Worth trying. Don't assume. Please. For me, I hate having anyone see me in that state. Being out of control and weak, unable to help myself fully, is not how I want to be seen by anyone. I don't like others helping me and I've dealt with panic attacks for over 10 years now. I know how they go and how to work my way through them. My family and friends know to walk away and give me space or if they can't because of being in a car, then to pull over and "laugh" and talk it off at my lead. Whole thing makes me mad most the time and I'd rather we ignore it and move on. Treating it like some big deal would make it worse to me. That's just my experience and preference. That being said, you need to know what each person prefers. If you don't know, ask. I would much rather someone ask me as it's starting "hey, what do you need?" Than to say "breathe with me" because I WILL tell them to f*** off. I don't mean to be rude but during a panic attack my emotions and annoyance are high... and I NEED people to leave so I can concentrate.
Finally someone said it! I feel exactly the same! The attacks are different for each person, the triggers are different for each person! Me for example, my attacks are usually triggered by being with people and open spaces, and when it happens people always assume I need help and start touching my shoulder and say things like "it'll be okay" and "relax don't be afraid", and make it into this big scene and attract more attention, which makes me feel even MORE panicked and anxious and frightened! Like, I know you're just trying to help, but please ask before assuming things and acting on your own!
taibah lavander exactly! People have been trained by media and others to assume that everyone needs to hear "breathe! In and out! It'll be ok!" And that everyone is frightened and thinks they are dying or whatever. Some of us know what is happening and how to handle it. Or need the calm surrounding to bring ourselves down. That extra stimuli from those around us can make it worse. Having someone panicking and telling us to do the thing we are struggling to do in the first place can cause things to be worse. Many onlookers who try to help don't even realize that they themselves are starting to panic when faced with someone who is having an attack but trust me, if I'm having an attack, I'm hyper aware already someone near me panicking is noticeable.
taibah lavander also want to add in, many people who have panic attacks tend to have various other disorders. That complicates things because people react differently anyway but add in the complication and unpredictability of another psychological disorder and you truly do need to ask what they want and need... never know how someone may react. Again, speaking from personal experience too lol
Mamda07 I hate when people tell me to just breath. They fucking do that even while I’m having an asthma attack and I’m like CAROL SHUT THE HELL UP I DONT THINK THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IM TRYING TO BREATHE NORMALLY BUT MY BODY IS FLIPPING OUT SO GO KNIT SOMETHING OR PLAY WITH A CAT BUT GET THE HELL OUT OF MY FACE! The best thing someone can do for me is ask me if I need anything and if I don’t then leave me alone to myself and be there for me when I come to them. I hate being observed in my weakest moments.
Alex most people don't understand this and I don't get why. Perhaps a deep need to help? To control the situation? Who knows... but it should be person centered. Meaning: the person having the reactions needs come first and if their need is for everyone to leave, kindly get the heck away. Everyone else's comfort be damned.
Talitha Heidi Not all friends appreciate that your struggling. I only have one friend that understands what's going on for me, maybe you just need to find someone to help you
My father goes through panic attacks all the time, and recently my friend started going through one. What I realized is that the reason they have it, is because they bottle up their emotions, until they explode. What calmed my friend was I told her to breath in and out calmly, and tell me what she is feeling or what caused the panic. When she was done telling me, she relaxed and it finally passed. Tell them you are there beside them, don't tell them to get over it or freak out. Be calm and collected.
bottling up emotions can certainly trigger them, but that's not always the reason. I'm a very emotionally mature person who makes sure to express my thoughts and feelings, but unfortunately I have ptsd and depression from a childhood full of gaslighting and verbal abuse, so I have panic attacks that are usually triggered by fear of the future. (i.e. will I ever own a home? Will this problem in my marriage ever be fixed, will I die early and never accomplish my goals?) These are all things I am open about, but I have a tendency to spiral if I ruminate too long.
Thanks for making this. Some additional tips from my own personal experience having panic attack is don't make it about yourself, don't get mad at them, don't act offended by them because they're unable to know what to say or do at the moment, and don't ask for any assurances from them at that very moment like "are you mad at me, did i do something wrong" are not good questions for that moment. don't make them feel weird. don't say "it's all in your head, just calm down". don't tell them they're overreacting. if you can't be genuine or if you happen to not be a warm/nurturing type, don't be fake. The worst thing you can do is show exasperation with them. If you don't know what to do, or don't want to handle the burden, ask them if you can call someone for them. ask them if they have a medication they take for this. Basically ask specific yes or no questions instead of general "what can I do to help you" because the panic attack stricken person honestly can't tell you what you could be doing when their thoughts are going 1000 miles a second, all tangled and smashing into each other. Follow the tips in the video for the person having a panic attack where they feel like they're going to die or have a heart attack, or for the person who is new to this condition. For someone in your life who has been coping with panic attacks - its actually better to leave (as long as you do try to help them lie down and start regularly breathing), if you know you can't handle the situation or you don't have the patience. Knowing your limits is totally ok, but don't pick that moment they're having a panic attack to tell them that dealing with their panic attack is beyond your limit.
When I told my close friends about my severe panic disorder, they all immediately asked what they could do to help, and how to help me through my attacks. A week later, I received a link to this video with a text, saying, "I've memorized this video. Call me next time. I'll be there."
• The number one rule about panic attack is to NEVER. TELL. THEM. THAT. THEY. ARE. OVER. REACTING. • The second rule is while helping them simply ask “do you want my COMFORT?” And if they say no walk away; not out of the room. If they agree ask yes/no questions on what you can/can’t do to comfort them. • Three comfort not help. Comforting one is better than trying to help them. • Four be calm and stay calm freaking out will make it so much worse. • Five after it all ends you shouldn’t ask what triggered it afterwards. Most of the they can’t remember what exactly triggered it. • Six try and not reenact what happened right before the attack(as in what you said/did because sometimes that was what triggered it) These are all from experience of me. Each time I go through a panic attack this is normally what *I* prefer. And how I comfort my friend when she has panic attacks
I had to help my gf through one one time, it was over text. Idk if I did it right but she said it helped..? I told her to try and take a deep breath in for a few seconds and release for a few seconds to help steady breathing. I also told her to imagine someone giving her a hug (I really hope it's it didn't make it worse but she said I got her through it after it was all over) and I told her to think happy memories. Did I do it right??
I love that they mentioned the whole yes/no to touch thing. Sometimes I want a hug when I panicking to try and block things out, other times being touched is the last thing it want. In generally I have a fear of being touched unless it’s certain people, so having that mentioned is so important aha because that’s the same for a lot of peeeeps
From experience of a panic at school, I know what gives the most stress. Okay, so, I'm going to explain what happened to me. It was in the middle of class last year. It was the October when the clowns were on streets and stuff and clowns were and are a phobia of mine. Everybody was saying the clowns were targeting our school next. This giant conversation was scaring me so much I started having a panic attack. This was my first one so I didn't know why I was like this but I hid under my desk and apparently some students heard me crying and started rushing over and practically screaming, "ARE YOU OKAY" soon enough the whole class was surrounding my desk all chattering and asking things to me and that made matters worse. Finally one guy I knew, told everyone to shut up and give me room. He calmly crawled next to me and held my hand saying quietly "it's okay, it's just rumors. It's all fake. " and other supportive things. That's my story. Well anyways, I highly suggest if you see anyone having a panic attack in a public area, please don't attract attention and get a while crowd around them. It stresses them out way too much. Well anyways, I'd like to hear some of your stories. Maybe you've figured out a way to help a panic attack? If so, please say!
that_one _sneaky_fox I had a few panic attacks a few years back (once or twice a month for roughly a year) My first one I was in the middle of the deep end of the pool and I'm a terrible swimmer, so that was Fun. I was revisiting This video, since I have a classmate with anxiety, and I would be prepared in case he had a panick attack. One thing that (kinda) helped me was to go over simple information again and again: my name is (insert name) 1+1=2. I'm not gonna die. My Logic was that by saying simple facts, it would help me make the association, that the last part must be a simple fact, too.
Mine started when I had depression (though it only picked up recently). For the first one, I was alone in the restroom crying. A notable one is the one that happened in school (quite recently actually). My friends noticed and tried to calm me down. I warned perhaps a little more than half of them not to touch me because it's so horrible but one of them put her hand on my shoulder and I yelled "Don't touch me" repeatedly until she removed her hand. They didn't do anything in this video aside the no touching thing but I can tell you that it's so good to have at least someone around. And, I won't lie but I haven't been diagnosed. The symptoms are almost completely similar, though. Shaking & crying (when it's particularly bad), feeling dizzy, feeling like I can't breath, feeling cold and heart pounding. I'll get to see a doctor about it in perhaps a week or two but until then I guess I'll have to keep trucking through...
For me personally, loud noises and sometimes noises at all scare me and make it worse. I find that it's helpful to have at least one friend in your group that knows what's going on or a signal that you can use to tell that one friend so that if you need to get away from the situation, they can answer other people's questions for you so you aren't bombarded with questions.
I am also triggered by noise. 2 days ago I was at a party in a camp i was in, and everyone was screaming in my ears. I covered my ears and started crying, and a friend led me out. I will never be able to thank her enough. She stayed with me the whole time, made me drink water, and explained what was happening to the other campers and councilors. (With my permission)
I prefer to be alone. I don't want to burden anyone with me and my problems. Putting on a mask is the key. Master of disguise. I usually still keep a smile on my face while having an attack, but its noticeable when I'm speaking that I'm very short of breath and sometimes my eyes can be read and I'm very weak, leaning on things. Then when I can't take it, I just sit down, put my head on the desk and everything goes black. I'd wake up like an hour later and people think that I was asleep.
Good job! Keep fighting and don't just, "forgive yourself." I don't think I've observed a single other person in this comment section who's a decent, self improving human being!
it's okay if people really care they would much rather help you work through it in the best way possible. I'm typing on my best friends computer while she is reading over my shoulder, this is definitely the kind of thing I want her to feel comfortable with.(btw she has anxiety while I don't)
I have an anxiety disorder that sometimes leads to panic attacks. Usually I just run to the nearest person I trust and tell them I'm having a panic attack. I've gotten better at handling them though since I started seeing a counselor, so all I have to do is just be held by someone and I'll calm down quickly. I can calm down by myself, but it takes a bit longer. I'm so glad I talked to a counselor because being able to calm yourself down is great.
My friend has panic attacks, but everytime I try to help them, they tell me to go away and get really mad at me. I'm not blaming them, but I just wanted to help...
Rice Krispy I see...that must be hard for you and your friend..maybe try going to them when they are not panicking and are in a good state and ask them what they would like you do next time they are in a panic attack. When in an attack, it is hard for the brain to think logically or to think of other people's feelings because all it can think is "danger, danger, danger!" So the body responds with irritability and/or cruel words/actions towards oneself or others. So it would be better to get to know what you can do for them while they have a clearer way of thinking.
When i have panic attacks I hate being touched or talked to. Noises and touches irritate me and I get even more panicked. So the fastest way to shut someone up is to yell at them or just say: stop. I know I hurt my friends, but they only make it more difficult. What helps me is, when a person talks to another person, so I can ground myself with the noise but don't have to contribute to the conversation. Maybe it's the same for your friend? Just talk to them about it :) We mean it well
Try to protect them, or just ask things like "do you want something to drink or eat?", and another tip is don't let many people congregate around your friend it will make him/her more nervous, or ask directly what he/she needs or preffers. I hope it helps :D
that is so sweet of you but sometimes in a panic attack it is worse is someone else is there. when I am having panic attack I highpoventalate so I can't talk, so for your friend she probably didn't want to be rude but that was the easiest and quickest way to say it. also your mind is all over the place, you are not yourself at all.
You don’t really think straight when panicking. They don’t mean harm by it. Everyone copes with it differently. I find that I don’t want anyone around, but I know it’s best for my if someone can just be reassuring. You don’t have to touch them. You don’t have to even say anything, but just knowing someone is there for you during this is helpful.
With the asking simple questions part: Its extremely helpful to get your mind off of a panic when having a panic attack. My old geography teacher used to give everyone a few minutes to be able to just focus on our breathing and/or our senses. Ive found this another good way to help with anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling overwhelmed. You ask them to think of 5 things they see, have them close their eyes and think of 4 thinks they hear, 3 things they feel, 2 that they smell, and 1 thing they taste. In my opiniom it helps things feel more comfortable and manageable.
If the person having the panic attack can't speak just talk. Doesn't have to be about anything specific or important, can be facts about you, maybe talk about something you like, talk about nature or animals, anything really. I've found having a grounding voice, even if I'm not sure what they're saying, helps a lot and calms me down faster.
Another thing. NEVER force them to do something. Putting any sort of pressure on the person can make the situation a lot worse. In one of my worst panic attacks about a year ago, my friend tried to force me to look at her. If I've been crying or freaking out, I can't look at someone. If I do, I get the feeling that they are seeing every single one of my secrets and insecurities and secretly passing judgment on me, even though I know they aren't. I wound up shoving her away and curling up in the corner of the bathroom, even more freaked out than before, literally to the point that my eyes were having trouble on focusing on any object, including my hands. If someone is curling up or pacing, you can request that they open up or sit down, but if they don't do it after two or three times asking them, do NOT force them either verbally or physically. Instead, change your focus to vital signs. Their breathing, their focus on reality. Just don't force them into anything.
about the 911 one, when I had my first panic attack, which was started because of an asthma attack, my coach asked me if she wanted her to call 911. For me this made the panic worse, because more people fussing over me makes me panic more, the fact that I'd be rushed to an ambulance and sent to a hospital was terrifying, and I had already made enough of a scene, and despite myself I was still worried about what my teammates would think, that they would think I was weak or dramatic for going to a hospital for something as simple as a panic and asthma attack. Of course I didn't know what it was at the time, which made it worse.
My fiancé has a generalized anxiety disorder and I never knew what to do when she is going through a panic attack, thank you for uploading this video! I will make sure to apply these tactics the next time she goes through a panic attack.
I have had a few panic attacks before. They have to be the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me. The first 3 times I was alone. It took me almost 2 hours to come back to reality. The next day I was still shaking. My most recent one happened when I was eating dinner with my friends. Thankfully my best friend, India, knew how to help me. She held onto my hand, stroked my head, and told everyone else to continue talking among themselves. Bless her 🌼
I had a panic attack just about a month ago, my mom is really good at helping me through my panic attacks, since she used have them also, so glad to have an understanding mom
Tip: if someone who frequently has panic attacks says don't touch a specific part of them then please *don't touch them there* it's very annoying and scary. I don't like to be touched on my knees or shoulders and I've had *three panic attacks* because of people not respecting me
Okay, one thing. My friends work as paramedics, and one thing they taught me: DO NOT CHECK A PERSONS PULSE! It is something usually shown in movies, but in fact even trained paramedics don't do that, because it is too risky to confuse with your own pulse. INSTEAD look at the persons chest, keep your ear and cheek close to the person's nose and mouth. If a person is breathing, you will feel that on your cheek, hear it and see their chest lifting up.
As a paramedic,(and someone who gets panic attacks)I do in fact check pulse when the person is able to consent to me putting my hand on their wrist. There is a clear difference between my pulse and their pulse. There at visual signs to me that would indicate if this is a choking, or , etc. In the case of someone having a panic attack I never touch a patient as I want to keep external stimuli to an absolute minimum. Usually gentle verbal coaching their breathing rate (breathe with me in through your nose and out through your mouth as best you can) until they are able to slow it down enough for them to be grounded and be able to make eye contact and be able to tell me what it is they need. Then when they’re calmer still, I get their permission to be able to do their blood pressure and check their heart rate. I’m not a psychologist but I know everyone is different. The hands off approach has worked well for me as a healthcare provider for the last 10 years. The several panic attacks I have had, hyperventilating makes my face muscles so tight i can’t speak so for me if someone just reminds me to focus on things I can see, hear, smell etc; and reminding breathe and that It will be over soon..that works best for me..but I’m usually a sweaty crying mess.
When I have an anxiety attack, I usually grab my bestfriend and we sit together alone and talk about things to take my mind of the thing that made me panic. If I’m alone I listen to music, play games on my phone, watch TH-cam or call a friend
I have 2 good tips that really helped me when I had my first panic attack. 1) Let them know that the attack will pass and it doesn't last forever. I was convinced that I was going to die so this really put me at ease. 2) Try to stop forcefully breathing and let your body do it automatically. Once you do that, just keep it up and you'll notice it slowly getting better
Thank you. Thank you for making this for us so we can show our loved ones. I do not have the words for how helpful this has been. You and your team have opened very important conversations and levels of understanding for my family and my Panic Disorder.
I have been dealing with panic attacks since I was a child, though I was an adult when I finally learned what they were. For years mine ended with me throwing up, sometimes starting a vicious cycle wherein I could not keep food down and became afraid to eat--this could lead to becoming so weak I could barely move. Breathing, klonopin, and thought-stopping techniques have really changed my life where panic attacks are concerned, and I found these techniques out on my own through desperation. 1. Count things. Ask the panicked person to count objects, be it ceiling tiles, books on a shelf, or whatever is around. 2. Focus hard on surroundings. Ask the panicked person to name all of the blue items in the room, or to find the roundest pebble on the ground. Be creative but reasonable. 3. Sing! I know it sounds crazy, but it is one of the best methods I have found for getting breathing back on track, and several family members have said that it worked for them too. Obviously, these all depend on the state of the person in question. If they are about to faint, don't send them hunting for a pebble. And don't ask them to sing their favourite song if all they are into is screamo!
Thank you for these advices. Two of my best friends experience panic attacks regularly... I myself had one once... And yet they both are abroad I'd love being of more help when they come to such a point. These tips seem extremely simple and logical, yet not so many people would be able to react correctly.
I remember the first time I had a panic attack. EVERYTHING in this video was countered. I was being grabbed, and yelled at, I was being forced to do what caused the attack in the first place and I couldn't breathe...I could have sworn I was dying... And after everything, my mother told me that I was just being overdramatic, and to get over it. She wasn't even willing to admit that what happened was a panic attack. And even when every time I talk about it I end up crying, she won't admit it. I don't know what to tell her if I have another attack, seeing as she doesn't listen to me, when I almost have one at least every other day...
I had my very first panic attack a few days ago, and while my father handled most things well, he made the mistake of trying to get me to take a sip of water. I was still disconnected, terrified, and hyperventilating beyond what I realized, and so I choked and coughed up the water which made my panic even worse. If someone is having a panic attack, keep in mind that it's extremely difficult for them to try to slow their breathing down, so don't put them in harm's way by having them drink anything.
I had my first panic attack at the worst place to have one: Magic Kingdom in Florida. My amazing grandmother helped me with my panic attack. It was literally the worst day of my life. Everything sucked.
I had my first attack last night. Luckily I was able to immediately recognize what it was and went outside for some air. I was at mutual (Mormon youth group basically) and my friend found me after I calmed down a bit. He just held me while I finished calming down and no harm was done. It was scary though. And before you ask, the leaders had their hands full and all I said was that I needed some air real quick- I didn't realize attacks could be dangerous. Not their fault they didn't realize.
When I was having a panic attack a few months ago, the questions I was asked for grounding was, what are five things you see, four things you hear, three things you can feel, two things you can taste, and one thing you can smell. This helped me aligne all my senses so I could focus on reality and slow down my breathing
While being depressed in the night, one day I got a panic attack and I thought it was a heart attack. I just laid down waiting for it pass but honestly I thought I was about to die. Didn't call ambulance because I didn't want to. Dealing with social anxiety.
I have anxiety and have had anxiety attacks and panic attacks before. My friend that recently found out what I am going through asked me how she could help. I told her that she could look it up seeing as though I sometimes watch videos on TH-cam that help relax me when I feel anxious. And I started having an attack in the middle of lunch at my school. She ran with me to the bathroom and helped me calm down. When I asked her after school what she found that informed her on how to help me at the time, she showed me this video. Thank you for making this, it helped give my friend a good amount of information to help me. Now I know that if it ever happens again, she will be able to help calm me. So thank you very much!
When I had my first panic attack, I was in class reading a story we were asked to make. It was a graded assignment so I had to read. I was standing up in front of the class and couldn’t breathe. The teacher asked me to stop, breathe and continue reading because I was almost done. I tried but still couldn’t read. When I eventually got to my desk, I saw the teacher throw my grade sheet and tell me she was going to give me an A+ either way because I finished reading. I was crying and others were looking at me which made it worse. I covered my face with my hands and continued to cry. A girl came up next and acted like the same thing was happening to her. My teacher already knew it was fake because she tried to ‘faint’. The teacher automatically gave her an F and people stared at me again. It made it worse and I began to cry even more. After class, people started to laugh and tell their friends. Some people are disgusting.
I really prefer to be alone when having a panic attack, but since I can’t choose this video will be really helpful to people around me who have seen me experience panic attacks. It also helped me understanding why one of my shortest panic attacks was “so short”, my mom acted like said in this video. I hope it would reach more people and that they’d teach about this in schools
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TALKING ABOUT NOT TOUCHING THEM IF THEY DONT SAY YES!! Being touched by anyone other than two certian people makes it so much worse and makes me feel so uncomfortable. It may sound messed up, but I dont even like my mom touching me during them. If I'm near one of the two people I'm okay with touching, I just hold their hand and put my head on their shoulder and listen to their breathing and try to match mine to their's. They've gotten to know what helps me through them and I'm so incredibly thankful for them and love them so much.
The first time I had a panic attack in front of my mom she literally slapped me so I can "snap out of it" and when wondered why my panic only increased by being hit. Thanks, mom. I should send her this video.
this is so important. so many people when i’m having a panic attack, at least, hug me or take hold of my shoulders or even face, and make it worse. i know they mean well, but ask. always ask.
I had my first panic attack because a shadow in my hall way looked like a man. I was alone and it was 11:00 pm. I kept messaging my parents to turn a lamp on and when they finally agreed I was really close to passing out and I started calming down. I'm pathetic
This is video is wonderful, and for everything else out there who's watching this to help someone they know when they have a panic attack, when someone is having a panic attack Do Not tell them to calm down. Do Not force them into a hug. Do Not walk away and leave them alone. Leaving someone alone during a panic attack will not help the situation unless the person having the attack requests you to do so. Even then still check up on them every few minutes until they feel comfortable with having you around again.
I once heard a medical professional say I’m not going to empathize with you because that’s not what you need right now. Bingo! Someone finally gets it.
Personally, as someone who deals with anxiety and panic attacks, my friends put on music. They sing/him to me or just let the music play. It makes me try to focus on the music more than my panic attack. It takes time for me to actually calm down from this but either way I start to calm down. I also don't mind being touched. Usually I don't mind being touched as long as it's one person. Too many people with overwhelm me and make the attack worse. I did have multiple panic attacks at school and I'm sure I still will. My friends help me through that troubling time. Knowing I'm now in high school and only 1 person who helps me with this is there, is harder for her to help me. But all in all, panic attacks are so hard to deal with. Sorry I wasted time with this comment but that's just my experience.
Funny how some youtube channel can provide more tips than an actual psychiatrist. Mine almost laughed at me and mocked me for my "irrational fears", basically telling me to jut get over it and that what I was experiencing was me just overreacting and needing anti psychotics or anti depressants if I didn't stop. Please beware of these type of therapists. They want to make you believe that you suffer from something you don't actually suffer from so they can put you on "meds" so you become easy to manipulate and so that they can fill their pocket easily. Look for those therapists that actually care. Just a lil tip.
This almost made me cry. I’m going to have to show this to everyone I know who doesn’t experience anxiety or panic attacks because no one knows how to to this right. They always ask stupid questions and try to skip the easy basics.
My mum has panic attacks when she forgets to take her medicine. It makes me so sad to see her so distraught :( I'd do anything to help her feel okay again
I have a friend of mine who has panic attacks but only have our last 2 classes together and if I'm ever with her I can help her Thank you for this video💞
I have that only on highways and oh my god I have a story to tell. One day my mom was teaching me how to drive so she made me get on the freeway. She told me to change lanes but I couldn't move the car. I was too scared, everything was too fast. I got off the freeway and she yelled at me. I had to pull over and park to go through a panic attack in a safer area. All this while she was STILL yelling at me to get over it. When I finally recovered I told her I didn't want to drive anymore but she yelled at me to do it anyway (and tried but failed to get me to go on the freeway again) ahh it was terrible. I'm NEVER using the freeway on my own ugh P.S. My mom is a really sweet person, she just didn't understand what I was going through at that time. In her eyes, it looked like I was disobeying her and making a big deal out of it. I explained to her what happened and she won't do it again
I had a panic attack once. I was homeschooled at the time, and no one had told me school was starting, so when my dad was like, 'Be ready for school tomorrow," I started freaking out. School was a huge stress for me at the time and I had depression as well (though I was not aware of it at the time). I hyperventilated, I got dizzy, my legs went numb, my stomach hurt from breathing so fast for so long... it was terrible.
I have VERY few friends i explain my panic attacks to, I tell them what usually happens and how to help, most people just brush it off as me being weird, but im glad that those few friends can actually help, and dont brush it off as just another moment of me being weird. Im going on a trip in about a month without my family and im happy that one of my friends im rooming with know all this stuff. If you have panic attacks, try to see if you can explain to someone what to do and not to do, (this view is amazing at doing so, but i find that different people experience different things). To anyone reading this, nice job, you've made it this far!
I had my first panic attack on Friday when I was queueing for McDonald's because I was in a group and the leader of the group didn't give me any money for food or drink so I started panicking that I was making a total fool of myself in public and I felt like I either wanted to cry or faint. To make matters worse, I have asthma and social anxiety.
I have major anxiety, I didn’t realize how bad it was until a year after being diagnosed. I couldn’t breathe and thought my body was stopping from my lungs from taking in air. It was 3 in the morning and I asked my mom for help but snapped at me a few back asleep. I had to suffer through that for 3 hours and eventually I fell asleep. Mind you I am 14 and also have PTSD and that was very scary for me but I woke up the next morning I only realized 2 or 3 days ago that this was a panic attack. Crazy isn’t it.
There's some good calming videos on youtube, maybe try that sometime? They help you get your breathing back to normal. It's different for everyone what works best
I'd add that if you're close to someone who you know has panic attacks, ask them when they are NOT in that state what helps them. I've actually developed a list of things which can help so people could pull yes/no questions from that if they wanted to. A lot of people hate being touched when they're panicking but I much prefer a tight safe hug & being able to copy someone's breathing.
I am getting panic attacks daily but there is no one to help and support me I just went through a harsh brkup I m so depressed there is none to calm me down
I'm so thankful my mom knew what to do when I had a panic attack for the first time! She was so calm and collected and she just gave me a hug and told me the breathe and then when I was okay she just told me to lay down for a while.
This is super helpful to me. My gf deals with severe anxiety and a past of self harm. She hasn't had a panic attack with me yet, but when it might happen I now know how to help! Thanks!
my best friend has severe anxiety and when she has a panic attack it helps to calm her down if I hug her and ask her to describe random objects/ ask her what happened in a book she was reading or a movie she watched.
I've been diagnosed with GAD and Panic Disorder for six years. I've learned my ways of calming down during an attack. Going to a quiet room with little to no people in it helps me, going outside and sitting down in fresh air helps, cooling off via a fan or something else helps me due to developing a fever when I have an attack, texting or talking to family and friends about what's happening helps me feel like I'm not alone in the situation, and finally, figuring out what my triggers are and which trigger caused me to go into an attack can help me determine what I can do to get out of the situation with said trigger(s).
I had a panic attack at school once and none of the staff seemed to know what to do about it. I think ill offer them this video because its very true and very helpful.
I really wish schools covered things like this in our classes. Like if we could have just one day in the year that was dedicated to both mental issues and specifically what to do for a panic attack, I think we would have a lot less issues.
i had a panic attack at a school camping trip and the people in my cabin crowded around me and started yelling if i was okay and got a teacher... not exactly helpful
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in the 4th grade (2 years ago) i had one but the nurse said i was fine a told me to back to lunch i told my mom when i got home and we went to the hospital to check my hart.
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Excellent video content! Sorry for the intrusion, I am interested in your thoughts. Have you researched - Koryzary Calmer Ambience (do a search on google)? It is an awesome one off product for getting rid of panic attacks without the hard work. Ive heard some extraordinary things about it and my best friend Jordan at very last got astronomical results with it.
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Psych2Go Are you folks still looking for help with captioning? I'd love to contribute, if you'd have me!
Here's a tip: Don't just stand there and stare at the person having a panic attack.
I was having a panic attack in the car and my stepmom just watched!!! Like wtf!!!!!!
Btw I have mom and step mom
Apricot The Werewolf yep good tip all my friends do that they just starin at me like
Woman..what..?
Omfg my boyfriend WENT TO SLEEP on me yesterday while I was having one.
Best treatment for panic attacks: PanicFree.xyz
I was having a panic attack at school and my teacher just stared at me like "You k?"
Here's another tip: If the person having the panic attack asks you to leave them alone, do it. After it has happened, don't immediately ambush the person over why this has happened.
Shelby Shofner oh my shit it drives me crazy when as soon as the panic attack starts to go away and I feel myself returning to normal someone corners me and goes “what happened. What caused it. Is it something i did?”
Like yes. Please make my discomfort 100% about you while I’m still trying to regain my sense of self here. I don’t owe you an explanation. ESPECIALLY if it was something the person did as it’s not their fault unless they did something they know triggers you.
Shelby Shofner I had a panic attack today and it was my first. I could not talk because of my rapid breathing, let alone answer the questions everyone was asking. A girl just hugged me and called for help, and that honestly helped.
I'm always scared to ask people to leave me alone, because I dont want them to take it personally. But there was a time where I did (through yes and no questions), and they refused to leave??
My mom does that. The counselor had to tell her to stop asking so many questions. She did it anyways. I get a lot of panic attacks out of nowhere and when she asks why I get them, I can't respond because I don't know.
Shelby Shofner true but for some people even when they say leave me alone you really shouldn’t just keep a distance and calmly say ” I’m going to be stay here and try to help, I won’t do anything you don’t want me to do”
When I become a teacher, I'm going to definitely show my classes this.
Did you became a teacher already?
Panda Crusade please do
Yee
Hey just curious have you become a teacher yet?
I want to become a teacher so i can genuinly make the students feel loved and like they can talk to someone
Big tip for anyone DONT BLAME THEM DO NOT DO SAY OMG STOP DO NOTTTTTT
IAMFEMALESANTA NOTMALESANTA yes I agree that happens to me a lot and it sucks butt
My friend and i both have panic attacks and when she has hers she wants hugs and it helps her to talk it out. When i had my first she got mad at me and called me selfish because i wanted to be left alone and not talk.
IAMFEMALESANTA NOTMALESANTA *Thats What happened today.....*
I felt that. My sisters do it when we're in public, and I end up feeling like a burden.
I wish this is something the schools show because I had the most horrible experience with my team captain sternly yelling at me to calm down and I felt so awfully uncomfortable with her touching me when I didn't want to get touched and I felt the eyes of other people looking at me. That's when stress went more on me and I had to bite my tongue to not make more noise. Since then, I fear going through panic attacks around people. I would love to prevent other people from this sort of care.
Carat Fan i have only had one panic attack. I was at my dads house. He was at work and his wife was home. I woke up and she was telling me all these things that i had to do that day and that my dad was mad that i had my phone in my room. Thats when i started to have the panic attack. I was crying and hyperventilating into my hands trying
to slow my breathing. This lasted for maybe an hour. She came into my room. She said that i needed to be more mature and threatened that she would have to call my dad and that he would be very mad about leaving work. She also threatened to call my mom and said that she would be mad at me. She called my grandmother and the concern in my grandmother's voice brought me out of my panic attack. I never told anyone about it.
Carat Fan I completely agree I once had a really bad panic attack in school so I went to the school nurse. She told me it would help to walk around and at that point I hadn't had many panic attacks before so I followed her out into the hallway. Walking around with all the people in the halls staring at me made it much worse, and I started hyperventilating even more than before. Instead of being helpful in anyway, she told me to stop and breath. I really tried but when I couldn't slow down my breaths she grabbed me by the shoulders and practically yelled at me to calm down. I might understand if it was a teacher or someone else that didn't know how to react or help, but it was literally the school nurse.
I agree. I had my first panic attack when I was eight at my dance class, and nobody knew what to do. I can easily say that it was one of the scariest moments I've experienced, and not having anyone who knew what to do or help just made it worse.
So. . . I have panic attacks. A LOT so far this school year i have had 11 and its only been four days. Most of them being moderate ones. None of them getting to the point where im hyperventilating. But the only thing that the school listened to was the fact that i cant eat in the lunc room. So i sit in the hall. But the hall monitors did not get this memo and on the second day of school told me that i cant have food in the hallways. . .
I've been having panic attacks at school recently, and I wish one of my friends could understand I just can't "calm down" (at least not right away). I need help with my panic attack, but all I get is complaining and people looking at me like I'm a psycho. One of my friends does help me though, she is pretty good at calming me down when I have anxiety, just her telling me everything will be fine and making me laugh and reassuring me puts me at ease and calms me down quite fast actually. The worst thing is though, I'm always there for the one friend but he's never there for me...
Edit: Sorry for venting...
When I had my first panic attack, I went to the ER and I'm glad I did. I was sure I was dying and I had never experienced that level of intense fear. To this day I haven't had one as bad as that. I was shaking uncontrollably and my heart was racing at about 145 bpm, if I hadn't gone I wouldn't have known it was a panic attack. Something that helps me is knowing my triggers. I don't read webmd type pages if I'm concerned, because a lot of my panicking is caused by worrying about my health.
Good to know the root of your fears. That will help you immensely.
So... when i was a child my panic attacks were me shaking for about two minutes then throw up. . . At first we had no idea what it was. . . Then my mom found out that it was a panic attack.
B. R.
This is exactly how I feel too.
I try to avoid worrying and knowing more about my panic attacks or anything medical because it's what triggers it a lot of times because I start overthinking it.
Even this video was a bit hard to sit through because I had to refocuse my mind to calm not start thinking about it.
Your never alone I through the same thing and I'm a registered nurse and I know how to stop a panic attack
The first time I had a panic attack my legs went limp beneath me, and I swear I thought that the world was falling apart like broken glass.
Don't ask "are you okay," because that question is extremely overwhelming, especially when three people are asking at the same time or withing a very short amount of time. I can't say 'yes' because it's obvious that I'm not but at the same time, I don't want to acknowledge that I'm not fine because it makes things seem even worse.
Edit: a better thing to say instead of "are you okay," would be "do you need to leave," "do you need to sit down" or just say "I'm here for you," as a way to acknowledge their panic attack if it's really obvious that they're in a panic attack.
ya it is soo annoying
I had a panic attack in front of my employer and he just kept asking "Are you okay?" " What's wrong? " I ended up screaming and sobbing that I was having a panic attack, and I felt pushed to answering.
PLEASE for the love of GOD DO NOT tell me (sternly, calmly, or yelling) to "stop" "calm down" etc... It is literally THE most unhelpful thing, especially if you include the fact that what I'm freaking out about is stupid, nothing, no reason to get so worked up blah blah blah
Chances are, I ALREADY KNOW THIS!!! If I had control over it and logical thinking helped, I would NEVER have a panic/anxiety attack! I wish I could just STOP and whatnot, but I can't, no matter how hard I try. And the harder I try, the worse I get, starting to think about wtf is wrong with me, why I'm acting like this, how I look, what people are thinking, why can't I just be "normal", etc...
And also, even if I ACT or appear annoyed by your calm voice and attempts to help me, PLEASE DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY!! There aren't even words to describe how much I appreciate it when someone sticks by my side and doesn't take my words/actions w.e. personally and then throw it in my face later or when I'm calmed down or worse, during the attack. For me, things like bright lights and basically ANY noise that isn't a fan or sometimes music, make me worse and occasionally annoyed/angry. I may act like or directly tell you to leave me alone, shut up, or just start kinda "flailing" around whenever you speak, but as long as you're not trying to tell me something I listed above or something similar, it's soooooooooo appreciated, even if I can't verbalize it. I'm not angry or annoyed at you or being rude (intentionally) there's just so much going on in my head, anything extra is just too much, which sometimes pushes me into a state of having so much going through my head and feeling so much, that I'll suddenly be completely numb in every way possible. So much going on upstairs and so many thoughts racing, that my mind is blank. So much emotion, I feel nothing anymore. Like a zombie. Tears could still be flowing out, yet I can't feel sadness, panic/fear, anything, often having to remember to take a breath or I just don't breathe at all, not even hyperventilating... Sorry got a little off topic/point at the end, but that's my two cents...
My personal favorite, is when my not so smart roommate actually asked me "uhhh are you sure it's not a heart attack?" yeah that's what you should do, freak someone out even more by making them think they are dying!!
I am actually triggered MORE when people say the glib trite shit to me. It tells me immediately they have no idea. It’s patronizing to the max.
Those two cents are worth a million in trying to understand what you REALLY need
@@Victor_Graves oh I know it. I once saw a doctor and told him about my panic attacks, and he actually told me I was having a heart attack just to get me to leave so he could close up early
@@Victor_Graves What does hypochondria mean? Sorry if i'm being rude, I just don't know what that means.
Today i had a panic attack in class, i went to the restroom to calm down , a friend followed me, she was standing in front of the door talking to me but i didn't wanted to hear anything ,she crawled under the door and toched my head so i could calm down but i didn't wanted her to touch me so it just went worse because she was standing there trying to hug me and i just wanted to be alone so i could calm down.
It was horrible
Tako koro
while youre still calm, make sure to tell her what she should and shouldn't do when you're having an attack because she just might be overly worried or just didn't know what else to do
Eugh, that sucks :/ I'm usually left alone because no one ever gets any signals when I suddenly leave. It actually sometimes makes it worse for me because there's nobody there for me. I'm usually someone who loves physical contact, but when things like panic/anxiety attacks happen, it just doesn't help
People think it's great to hug me for some reason.
Like, no. Some of us need to be alone!
Tako koro I probably would of yelled at her. I hate when people touch me like that. I don’t mind hugs or someone grabbing my hand or having an arm around me or even touching my hair but only when I’m in a good mood. If someone touches my scalp though or my neck I get really on edge at any mood because of bad experiences. I would explain to her that you know she’s trying to help you but that you prefer being alone in times like that. Tell her that you appreciate her gesture and her trying to help but that in those moments the best way she can help is by leaving you alone and supporting you when you come to her afterwards.
Oof.. that's quite an intense break of personal space. Even going so far as to climb under the door when you obviously wanted to be alone? Yikes. But I understand she thought she was helping,,, I personally might've lost it if someone did that to me
I’ve had many panic attacks, one time a boy at my school was having his first and all the teachers were freaking out. So I told them that I knew what he was going through and I made them all stop (we were in the hallway) and I talked him through it and we ended up being really good friends after that
If you ever see someone having a panic attack, listen to them. If they need you for emotional support, stay by their side. If they need you to get someone, do it. If they want to be left alone, leave them alone! We know that we are panicking and it's embarrassing, but we have no control. It happens quite litterally out of nowhere.
Don't get frustrated if they don't verbally respond, don't be condescending or patronizing and remind them it'll all be ok and that the panic attack is only temporary
yes! when some people get anxious they "lock up" and become unable to move or talk
Do I continue with the simple questions even if they can't move or talk or in this case I just should leave them alone?
miyo im not talking for everyone, but i would like to be left alone then.
I had one in class once and everyone was yelling at me 'ARE YOU OK? OH MY GOD WHAT'S WRONG ARE YOU OK?' and then a nurse led me out by the shoulders and I was freaking the fuck out
I have panic attacks all the time but I never cry during them and my friends say I’m just faking it but it’s rly scary and I wish I could show them this cuz I’m the video it doesn’t even mention crying so if crying isn’t a main factor I’m not faking it it’s rly scary
BUNNY 2003 yeah I cry when I have panic attacks
Sometimes I cry, sometimes I dont. It depends on what triggered it for me. If it was the dark, I normally dont. But if it was a food trigger, I want to start sobbing.
My friends also think my anxiety is fake. I don't cry if I have panic attacks. I usually find it hard to breathe and I don't feel like I am in the room (I feel usually very vacant...) I cannot focus on anything and I begin to shake. I usually get them in classes where I am spoken to by someone I don't know or if I'm asked a question.
If your friends don't believe you. They aren't real friends. A panic attack is hard for others to see usually. If anything. Talk to a councillor about your anxiety levels and it could make everything easier :)
Edit** I have actually been diagnosed with Social and generalised anxiety by a GP.
BUNNY 2003 explain to them that for everyone it’s different. Some people have inner panic attacks where they just go blank as they implode inside and often times end up going hysterical or just completely shut down. Others shake and hyperventilate and tug at their hair as they sob. I’ve seen some where they just pace and are mumbling but if you try touching them or talking to them they will scream at you and keep moving around with occasional short sobs in between. I’ve experienced all of these and it is different for everyone. My panic attack is not the same as the panic attack of my friends. My panic attacks aren’t the same as my parents or sisters. My sister doesn’t want people touching her and she gets really shaky but doesn’t cry and just hyperventilates. So if you explain to them that it is different for everyone they may be more understand and if you explain to them how it hurts when you’re having one and they aren’t serious and it just makes it worse. Try describing what it feels like to them. They may just be ignorant to the subject.
I don't usually cry during anxiety attacks, but I do cry during a panic attack from immediate on-sight trigger. Usually my anxiety attacks are the result of something that happened a few days to a few weeks prior to the actual attack.
One of the things that's helped me is listing the things you can sense, i.e. like trying to mentally note three things I can see, hear, and feel, and maybe even smell or taste depending on the situation
It's just a really good way of reminding yourself that you are still here and you're not losing touch with reality, which is something that someone undergoing a panic attack can begin to think
I don't want to be rude or anything, but isn't touching and feeling the same thing?
Kuritho oh lol one of those was supposed to be hear :)
Something I do is try to mentally visualize where I am. I usually think Inward going out, an example of what I would say/think to myself would be: I'm in ___ seat which is in ____ room which is in ___ building which is in ___ city, and so on until you feel okay. And if that doesn't work then I try to focus on anything other than what's going on in my mind and sometimes it makes things less fuzzy and chaotic. I hope this helps anyone that also suffers from anxiety and/or panic attacks, have a good rest of the day! 😊
Thanks
Livvy lu that's also a good one for when I need something more than just what I can see or feel :)
YES! I can't stand being touched when having a panic attack but people always get angry with me when I ask them to not touch me
It may take some explaining to do after the attack is over... Some people may mean well but they take it personally or as a direct rejection of their help and support.
rat-atat -tat I was once having an attack and my crush at that point tried to calm me down by putting his hand on one of my shoulders (I think you can see where this is going). Anyway, I lose it and start screaming at him to leave me alone. When he didn't move his hand, I lost it and ran into a door frame, getting a concussion. Good times.
rat-atat -tat I have haphephobia (the fear of touch or being touched). People always get angry with me and take it personally and say that I need to change that.
@Taehyung's pink hair :D I'm fine. But like, my school cut my counselling and things have got fun again
Tip: Dont stand quiet and stare ...if you dont know what to do get the fuck out the way and find someone else to help
THANK YOU!
Yeah, always good to ask someone else for help when you don't know what to do. Lovely advice. :)
Word.
I would think of killing the person. Idk why but everything annoys me.
Lala Land Preach
People seem to be sharing their first panic attack stories so I guess its my turn. It was a couple months ago in Chinese. At the start of every class a student will go in front of the class and ask the class the daily questions like: what time is it?, whats the weather today?, and whats the date? It was my turn to complete this task. Like usual I sheepishly walked to the front of the class.
“What’s the -“ I stopped, something came over me and I started to panic. Hyperventilating, tears stared to steadily run down my face and fall to the floor. The world felt like it was going to collapse, I thought it was. My head turned around the room looking for some help, something to prevent what I thought was going to happen. None of my classmates knew what was going on. My friends didn’t know what to do so they just stared as I fell to the floor sobbing and breathing uncontrollably. A calming voice asked, “hey, is it ok if i touch you?” Nodding my head my friend helped me outside and away from the sight of my classmates. She helped me calm down, though it took a while.
When I was ready I entered the class with only five minutes left. Immediately my friends came up to me and asked what happened. Its taken some time but I think they know and understand the best they can about my anxiety and how to help me. I’m very fortunate to have such caring friends. Not everyone has that. If your reading up to this point thank you I don’t expect many people if any to see this comment.
Random Commenter a similar thing happened to me in Maths when i had to answer a question. I started freakingg out and hyperventilating and stuff, I asked my teacher if I could go to the bathroom to calm down and he said that I was fine and just overreacting and continued to make me answer the question and I just had to sit there in class, having a panic attack whilst everyone stared at me like I was a baby
Georgia Savin I’m sorry that happened to you. It must’ve been pretty tough. Hopefully you are a bit better.
I like it when someone is talking to me and rubbing my back when im in a panic attack because to me, it shows they care. Only once had i thought I would actually faint from it, but thankfully someone helped me calm down. When I'm left alone, i might calm down, but never in a good state of mind. I'll be very agitated if I'm left alone to calm myself down after a panic attack because while I'm back in control of my breathing, I'm still on guard and extremely defensive.
This one time my aunt forced me and my sister to go to this over crowded Mc.Donald's and I had a really bad panic attack and I was shaking and my sister held my hand to try to get me to calm down but I ended up just swatting her hand away, eating really fast then running out while crying. Tip: If the person having a panic attack is in a really crowded place get them de hecc out of there, don't try to comfort them so you can still be that place, even if it's your favorite place to be in the whole world, if you care about the other person go somewhere quiet, relaxing, and peaceful with a minimum of about 2-3 other people. I hope this helps. 💜
Good insight, thanks for sharing!
Ruby Knight yes I definitely agree. If I have a panic attack even in the most favorite place in the world because it’s crowded either someone needs to get me out of there and pull me into a bathroom or somewhere secluded and they can walk off for a bit and come back in 5 minutes to see if I’m over it and ask if I need anything. I prefer being alone in those moments and often calm down quick once I’m out of the situation. But trying to hold me or talk me down is not a good idea because it ends up either extending the attack, making it worse, or I blow up.
I had a panic attack in an over crowded McDonalds too, I asked if we're taking it away as I normally ask (because I hate public places lol) and we had to eat in the McDonalds. There were girls my age and I swear to god they were looking at me eat with my Dad whilst they were on their own, acting all cool (even though they shouldn't be in such a crowded area on their own) and I silently panicked. I hate going places with my parents for that one reason of being embarrassed
Ash Knight aw man that sucks! Is it better now? I know I’ve replied to this comment two years later, that’s why I’m asking
I hate having panic attacks at night
adenike akinsola same :/
adenike akinsola Same
I hate having panic attacks
adenike akinsola ya I hate those!
I have them almost exclusively at night... it sucks
I don’t go through panic attacks but one of my best friends do, and I just want to be there for them.
I disagree on one point. Sometimes, (if you know the person and their preference), it's best to leave the person alone. Maintain a distance. Stay close enough to keep an eye out, just in case, but leave them be. Bottom line is: just ask what they need. Sometimes they can tell you. Worth trying. Don't assume. Please.
For me, I hate having anyone see me in that state. Being out of control and weak, unable to help myself fully, is not how I want to be seen by anyone. I don't like others helping me and I've dealt with panic attacks for over 10 years now. I know how they go and how to work my way through them. My family and friends know to walk away and give me space or if they can't because of being in a car, then to pull over and "laugh" and talk it off at my lead. Whole thing makes me mad most the time and I'd rather we ignore it and move on. Treating it like some big deal would make it worse to me.
That's just my experience and preference. That being said, you need to know what each person prefers. If you don't know, ask. I would much rather someone ask me as it's starting "hey, what do you need?" Than to say "breathe with me" because I WILL tell them to f*** off. I don't mean to be rude but during a panic attack my emotions and annoyance are high... and I NEED people to leave so I can concentrate.
Finally someone said it! I feel exactly the same! The attacks are different for each person, the triggers are different for each person! Me for example, my attacks are usually triggered by being with people and open spaces, and when it happens people always assume I need help and start touching my shoulder and say things like "it'll be okay" and "relax don't be afraid", and make it into this big scene and attract more attention, which makes me feel even MORE panicked and anxious and frightened! Like, I know you're just trying to help, but please ask before assuming things and acting on your own!
taibah lavander exactly! People have been trained by media and others to assume that everyone needs to hear "breathe! In and out! It'll be ok!" And that everyone is frightened and thinks they are dying or whatever. Some of us know what is happening and how to handle it. Or need the calm surrounding to bring ourselves down. That extra stimuli from those around us can make it worse. Having someone panicking and telling us to do the thing we are struggling to do in the first place can cause things to be worse. Many onlookers who try to help don't even realize that they themselves are starting to panic when faced with someone who is having an attack but trust me, if I'm having an attack, I'm hyper aware already someone near me panicking is noticeable.
taibah lavander also want to add in, many people who have panic attacks tend to have various other disorders. That complicates things because people react differently anyway but add in the complication and unpredictability of another psychological disorder and you truly do need to ask what they want and need... never know how someone may react. Again, speaking from personal experience too lol
Mamda07 I hate when people tell me to just breath. They fucking do that even while I’m having an asthma attack and I’m like CAROL SHUT THE HELL UP I DONT THINK THAT YOU UNDERSTAND THAT IM TRYING TO BREATHE NORMALLY BUT MY BODY IS FLIPPING OUT SO GO KNIT SOMETHING OR PLAY WITH A CAT BUT GET THE HELL OUT OF MY FACE! The best thing someone can do for me is ask me if I need anything and if I don’t then leave me alone to myself and be there for me when I come to them. I hate being observed in my weakest moments.
Alex most people don't understand this and I don't get why. Perhaps a deep need to help? To control the situation? Who knows... but it should be person centered. Meaning: the person having the reactions needs come first and if their need is for everyone to leave, kindly get the heck away. Everyone else's comfort be damned.
I had a panic attack once. but it was at a time where if I told others about it they would say " I over reacted" -_-.
My friends say that whenever I start to have one and it just makes it soooooo much worse
Go to friends or family who will be more compassionate :)
Talitha Heidi Not all friends appreciate that your struggling. I only have one friend that understands what's going on for me, maybe you just need to find someone to help you
Same. They won't understand until they experience it themselves.
My father goes through panic attacks all the time, and recently my friend started going through one. What I realized is that the reason they have it, is because they bottle up their emotions, until they explode. What calmed my friend was I told her to breath in and out calmly, and tell me what she is feeling or what caused the panic. When she was done telling me, she relaxed and it finally passed. Tell them you are there beside them, don't tell them to get over it or freak out. Be calm and collected.
bottling up emotions can certainly trigger them, but that's not always the reason. I'm a very emotionally mature person who makes sure to express my thoughts and feelings, but unfortunately I have ptsd and depression from a childhood full of gaslighting and verbal abuse, so I have panic attacks that are usually triggered by fear of the future. (i.e. will I ever own a home? Will this problem in my marriage ever be fixed, will I die early and never accomplish my goals?) These are all things I am open about, but I have a tendency to spiral if I ruminate too long.
Stephanie Angela, Emotionally mature people don't make sure to express their thoughts and feelings.
Thanks for making this. Some additional tips from my own personal experience having panic attack is don't make it about yourself, don't get mad at them, don't act offended by them because they're unable to know what to say or do at the moment, and don't ask for any assurances from them at that very moment like "are you mad at me, did i do something wrong" are not good questions for that moment. don't make them feel weird. don't say "it's all in your head, just calm down". don't tell them they're overreacting. if you can't be genuine or if you happen to not be a warm/nurturing type, don't be fake. The worst thing you can do is show exasperation with them. If you don't know what to do, or don't want to handle the burden, ask them if you can call someone for them. ask them if they have a medication they take for this. Basically ask specific yes or no questions instead of general "what can I do to help you" because the panic attack stricken person honestly can't tell you what you could be doing when their thoughts are going 1000 miles a second, all tangled and smashing into each other. Follow the tips in the video for the person having a panic attack where they feel like they're going to die or have a heart attack, or for the person who is new to this condition. For someone in your life who has been coping with panic attacks - its actually better to leave (as long as you do try to help them lie down and start regularly breathing), if you know you can't handle the situation or you don't have the patience. Knowing your limits is totally ok, but don't pick that moment they're having a panic attack to tell them that dealing with their panic attack is beyond your limit.
Thank you so much for sharing! Great advice.
When I told my close friends about my severe panic disorder, they all immediately asked what they could do to help, and how to help me through my attacks. A week later, I received a link to this video with a text, saying, "I've memorized this video. Call me next time. I'll be there."
• The number one rule about panic attack is to NEVER. TELL. THEM. THAT. THEY. ARE. OVER. REACTING.
• The second rule is while helping them simply ask “do you want my COMFORT?” And if they say no walk away; not out of the room. If they agree ask yes/no questions on what you can/can’t do to comfort them.
• Three comfort not help. Comforting one is better than trying to help them.
• Four be calm and stay calm freaking out will make it so much worse.
• Five after it all ends you shouldn’t ask what triggered it afterwards. Most of the they can’t remember what exactly triggered it.
• Six try and not reenact what happened right before the attack(as in what you said/did because sometimes that was what triggered it)
These are all from experience of me. Each time I go through a panic attack this is normally what *I* prefer. And how I comfort my friend when she has panic attacks
yess
I had to help my gf through one one time, it was over text. Idk if I did it right but she said it helped..? I told her to try and take a deep breath in for a few seconds and release for a few seconds to help steady breathing. I also told her to imagine someone giving her a hug (I really hope it's it didn't make it worse but she said I got her through it after it was all over) and I told her to think happy memories. Did I do it right??
I love that they mentioned the whole yes/no to touch thing. Sometimes I want a hug when I panicking to try and block things out, other times being touched is the last thing it want. In generally I have a fear of being touched unless it’s certain people, so having that mentioned is so important aha because that’s the same for a lot of peeeeps
From experience of a panic at school, I know what gives the most stress. Okay, so, I'm going to explain what happened to me. It was in the middle of class last year. It was the October when the clowns were on streets and stuff and clowns were and are a phobia of mine. Everybody was saying the clowns were targeting our school next. This giant conversation was scaring me so much I started having a panic attack. This was my first one so I didn't know why I was like this but I hid under my desk and apparently some students heard me crying and started rushing over and practically screaming, "ARE YOU OKAY" soon enough the whole class was surrounding my desk all chattering and asking things to me and that made matters worse. Finally one guy I knew, told everyone to shut up and give me room. He calmly crawled next to me and held my hand saying quietly "it's okay, it's just rumors. It's all fake. " and other supportive things. That's my story. Well anyways, I highly suggest if you see anyone having a panic attack in a public area, please don't attract attention and get a while crowd around them. It stresses them out way too much. Well anyways, I'd like to hear some of your stories. Maybe you've figured out a way to help a panic attack? If so, please say!
that_one _sneaky_fox I had a few panic attacks a few years back (once or twice a month for roughly a year) My first one I was in the middle of the deep end of the pool and I'm a terrible swimmer, so that was Fun.
I was revisiting This video, since I have a classmate with anxiety, and I would be prepared in case he had a panick attack. One thing that (kinda) helped me was to go over simple information again and again: my name is (insert name) 1+1=2. I'm not gonna die. My Logic was that by saying simple facts, it would help me make the association, that the last part must be a simple fact, too.
Bella Ella how old were you ? Because that may affect panic attacks
Mine started when I had depression (though it only picked up recently). For the first one, I was alone in the restroom crying. A notable one is the one that happened in school (quite recently actually). My friends noticed and tried to calm me down. I warned perhaps a little more than half of them not to touch me because it's so horrible but one of them put her hand on my shoulder and I yelled "Don't touch me" repeatedly until she removed her hand. They didn't do anything in this video aside the no touching thing but I can tell you that it's so good to have at least someone around. And, I won't lie but I haven't been diagnosed. The symptoms are almost completely similar, though. Shaking & crying (when it's particularly bad), feeling dizzy, feeling like I can't breath, feeling cold and heart pounding. I'll get to see a doctor about it in perhaps a week or two but until then I guess I'll have to keep trucking through...
For me personally, loud noises and sometimes noises at all scare me and make it worse. I find that it's helpful to have at least one friend in your group that knows what's going on or a signal that you can use to tell that one friend so that if you need to get away from the situation, they can answer other people's questions for you so you aren't bombarded with questions.
Thank you for sharing, and we hope you feel better soon! Be strong~
For me exposure to light at evening and night are triggers for panic attack and it lasts for 1:30 to 2 hrs.
I am also triggered by noise. 2 days ago I was at a party in a camp i was in, and everyone was screaming in my ears. I covered my ears and started crying, and a friend led me out. I will never be able to thank her enough. She stayed with me the whole time, made me drink water, and explained what was happening to the other campers and councilors. (With my permission)
god i wish more people understood the dont touch without asking rule from my own experience it makes me feel almost 60% worse 😔
I know same! If someone touches me I go mental. I don't even get why.
I was hoping you would upload something like this!! Panic attacks sucks! So now I can share this with my friends!
Happy to hear!
I prefer to be alone. I don't want to burden anyone with me and my problems. Putting on a mask is the key. Master of disguise.
I usually still keep a smile on my face while having an attack, but its noticeable when I'm speaking that I'm very short of breath and sometimes my eyes can be read and I'm very weak, leaning on things. Then when I can't take it, I just sit down, put my head on the desk and everything goes black. I'd wake up like an hour later and people think that I was asleep.
Good job! Keep fighting and don't just, "forgive yourself." I don't think I've observed a single other person in this comment section who's a decent, self improving human being!
it's okay if people really care they would much rather help you work through it in the best way possible. I'm typing on my best friends computer while she is reading over my shoulder, this is definitely the kind of thing I want her to feel comfortable with.(btw she has anxiety while I don't)
I have an anxiety disorder that sometimes leads to panic attacks. Usually I just run to the nearest person I trust and tell them I'm having a panic attack. I've gotten better at handling them though since I started seeing a counselor, so all I have to do is just be held by someone and I'll calm down quickly. I can calm down by myself, but it takes a bit longer. I'm so glad I talked to a counselor because being able to calm yourself down is great.
My friend has panic attacks, but everytime I try to help them, they tell me to go away and get really mad at me. I'm not blaming them, but I just wanted to help...
Rice Krispy I see...that must be hard for you and your friend..maybe try going to them when they are not panicking and are in a good state and ask them what they would like you do next time they are in a panic attack. When in an attack, it is hard for the brain to think logically or to think of other people's feelings because all it can think is "danger, danger, danger!" So the body responds with irritability and/or cruel words/actions towards oneself or others. So it would be better to get to know what you can do for them while they have a clearer way of thinking.
When i have panic attacks I hate being touched or talked to. Noises and touches irritate me and I get even more panicked. So the fastest way to shut someone up is to yell at them or just say: stop. I know I hurt my friends, but they only make it more difficult. What helps me is, when a person talks to another person, so I can ground myself with the noise but don't have to contribute to the conversation. Maybe it's the same for your friend? Just talk to them about it :) We mean it well
Try to protect them, or just ask things like "do you want something to drink or eat?", and another tip is don't let many people congregate around your friend it will make him/her more nervous, or ask directly what he/she needs or preffers. I hope it helps :D
that is so sweet of you but sometimes in a panic attack it is worse is someone else is there. when I am having panic attack I highpoventalate so I can't talk, so for your friend she probably didn't want to be rude but that was the easiest and quickest way to say it. also your mind is all over the place, you are not yourself at all.
You don’t really think straight when panicking. They don’t mean harm by it. Everyone copes with it differently. I find that I don’t want anyone around, but I know it’s best for my if someone can just be reassuring. You don’t have to touch them. You don’t have to even say anything, but just knowing someone is there for you during this is helpful.
It's also important to be with someone having a panic attack incase they try to hurt themselves
With the asking simple questions part: Its extremely helpful to get your mind off of a panic when having a panic attack. My old geography teacher used to give everyone a few minutes to be able to just focus on our breathing and/or our senses. Ive found this another good way to help with anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling overwhelmed. You ask them to think of 5 things they see, have them close their eyes and think of 4 thinks they hear, 3 things they feel, 2 that they smell, and 1 thing they taste. In my opiniom it helps things feel more comfortable and manageable.
If the person having the panic attack can't speak just talk. Doesn't have to be about anything specific or important, can be facts about you, maybe talk about something you like, talk about nature or animals, anything really. I've found having a grounding voice, even if I'm not sure what they're saying, helps a lot and calms me down faster.
Another thing. NEVER force them to do something. Putting any sort of pressure on the person can make the situation a lot worse. In one of my worst panic attacks about a year ago, my friend tried to force me to look at her. If I've been crying or freaking out, I can't look at someone. If I do, I get the feeling that they are seeing every single one of my secrets and insecurities and secretly passing judgment on me, even though I know they aren't. I wound up shoving her away and curling up in the corner of the bathroom, even more freaked out than before, literally to the point that my eyes were having trouble on focusing on any object, including my hands. If someone is curling up or pacing, you can request that they open up or sit down, but if they don't do it after two or three times asking them, do NOT force them either verbally or physically. Instead, change your focus to vital signs. Their breathing, their focus on reality. Just don't force them into anything.
about the 911 one, when I had my first panic attack, which was started because of an asthma attack, my coach asked me if she wanted her to call 911. For me this made the panic worse, because more people fussing over me makes me panic more, the fact that I'd be rushed to an ambulance and sent to a hospital was terrifying, and I had already made enough of a scene, and despite myself I was still worried about what my teammates would think, that they would think I was weak or dramatic for going to a hospital for something as simple as a panic and asthma attack. Of course I didn't know what it was at the time, which made it worse.
My fiancé has a generalized anxiety disorder and I never knew what to do when she is going through a panic attack, thank you for uploading this video! I will make sure to apply these tactics the next time she goes through a panic attack.
I have had a few panic attacks before. They have to be the scariest thing that’s ever happened to me. The first 3 times I was alone. It took me almost 2 hours to come back to reality. The next day I was still shaking. My most recent one happened when I was eating dinner with my friends. Thankfully my best friend, India, knew how to help me. She held onto my hand, stroked my head, and told everyone else to continue talking among themselves. Bless her 🌼
Tip: Don't stare at the person, especially if they have social anxiety. I know that for me, staring increases my anxiety.
I had a panic attack just about a month ago, my mom is really good at helping me through my panic attacks, since she used have them also, so glad to have an understanding mom
Tip: if someone who frequently has panic attacks says don't touch a specific part of them then please *don't touch them there* it's very annoying and scary. I don't like to be touched on my knees or shoulders and I've had *three panic attacks* because of people not respecting me
Okay, one thing. My friends work as paramedics, and one thing they taught me: DO NOT CHECK A PERSONS PULSE! It is something usually shown in movies, but in fact even trained paramedics don't do that, because it is too risky to confuse with your own pulse. INSTEAD look at the persons chest, keep your ear and cheek close to the person's nose and mouth. If a person is breathing, you will feel that on your cheek, hear it and see their chest lifting up.
As a paramedic,(and someone who gets panic attacks)I do in fact check pulse when the person is able to consent to me putting my hand on their wrist. There is a clear difference between my pulse and their pulse. There at visual signs to me that would indicate if this is a choking, or , etc. In the case of someone having a panic attack I never touch a patient as I want to keep external stimuli to an absolute minimum. Usually gentle verbal coaching their breathing rate (breathe with me in through your nose and out through your mouth as best you can) until they are able to slow it down enough for them to be grounded and be able to make eye contact and be able to tell me what it is they need. Then when they’re calmer still, I get their permission to be able to do their blood pressure and check their heart rate. I’m not a psychologist but I know everyone is different. The hands off approach has worked well for me as a healthcare provider for the last 10 years. The several panic attacks I have had, hyperventilating makes my face muscles so tight i can’t speak so for me if someone just reminds me to focus on things I can see, hear, smell etc; and reminding breathe and that It will be over soon..that works best for me..but I’m usually a sweaty crying mess.
I want this to be played at all schools. All of them. Even primary, I don't care if they "too young" they need to know. Kay thanks.
When I have an anxiety attack, I usually grab my bestfriend and we sit together alone and talk about things to take my mind of the thing that made me panic. If I’m alone I listen to music, play games on my phone, watch TH-cam or call a friend
Can you update your video about PTSD? and its affects on children?
thank you
I have CPTSD with a panic disorder, I've had since I was a kid... do you think they could also make a vid about that...
Sulfuric Acid I agree it's a rarely spoken of subject.
Alondra Diaz I'm sorry for you, I'm myself suffering from PTSD and panic attacks I hope they'll do a video about that :)
Ender Cat indeed all they talk about when you hear PTSD is war veterans, they need to educate that PTSD isn't just about that, there are many causes.
I have 2 good tips that really helped me when I had my first panic attack.
1) Let them know that the attack will pass and it doesn't last forever. I was convinced that I was going to die so this really put me at ease.
2) Try to stop forcefully breathing and let your body do it automatically. Once you do that, just keep it up and you'll notice it slowly getting better
Thank you. Thank you for making this for us so we can show our loved ones. I do not have the words for how helpful this has been. You and your team have opened very important conversations and levels of understanding for my family and my Panic Disorder.
I have been dealing with panic attacks since I was a child, though I was an adult when I finally learned what they were. For years mine ended with me throwing up, sometimes starting a vicious cycle wherein I could not keep food down and became afraid to eat--this could lead to becoming so weak I could barely move. Breathing, klonopin, and thought-stopping techniques have really changed my life where panic attacks are concerned, and I found these techniques out on my own through desperation. 1. Count things. Ask the panicked person to count objects, be it ceiling tiles, books on a shelf, or whatever is around. 2. Focus hard on surroundings. Ask the panicked person to name all of the blue items in the room, or to find the roundest pebble on the ground. Be creative but reasonable. 3. Sing! I know it sounds crazy, but it is one of the best methods I have found for getting breathing back on track, and several family members have said that it worked for them too. Obviously, these all depend on the state of the person in question. If they are about to faint, don't send them hunting for a pebble. And don't ask them to sing their favourite song if all they are into is screamo!
Thank you for these advices. Two of my best friends experience panic attacks regularly... I myself had one once... And yet they both are abroad I'd love being of more help when they come to such a point. These tips seem extremely simple and logical, yet not so many people would be able to react correctly.
I remember the first time I had a panic attack. EVERYTHING in this video was countered. I was being grabbed, and yelled at, I was being forced to do what caused the attack in the first place and I couldn't breathe...I could have sworn I was dying... And after everything, my mother told me that I was just being overdramatic, and to get over it. She wasn't even willing to admit that what happened was a panic attack. And even when every time I talk about it I end up crying, she won't admit it. I don't know what to tell her if I have another attack, seeing as she doesn't listen to me, when I almost have one at least every other day...
I had my very first panic attack a few days ago, and while my father handled most things well, he made the mistake of trying to get me to take a sip of water. I was still disconnected, terrified, and hyperventilating beyond what I realized, and so I choked and coughed up the water which made my panic even worse. If someone is having a panic attack, keep in mind that it's extremely difficult for them to try to slow their breathing down, so don't put them in harm's way by having them drink anything.
I had my first panic attack at the worst place to have one: Magic Kingdom in Florida.
My amazing grandmother helped me with my panic attack. It was literally the worst day of my life. Everything sucked.
woah
Yesterday I had a panic attack.
And here i am now....
Awesome video
I had my first attack last night. Luckily I was able to immediately recognize what it was and went outside for some air. I was at mutual (Mormon youth group basically) and my friend found me after I calmed down a bit.
He just held me while I finished calming down and no harm was done. It was scary though.
And before you ask, the leaders had their hands full and all I said was that I needed some air real quick- I didn't realize attacks could be dangerous.
Not their fault they didn't realize.
So good to hear you had the proper support and that their skills worked for you! It looked like you were very rational about it, and that is good.
When I was having a panic attack a few months ago, the questions I was asked for grounding was, what are five things you see, four things you hear, three things you can feel, two things you can taste, and one thing you can smell. This helped me aligne all my senses so I could focus on reality and slow down my breathing
While being depressed in the night, one day I got a panic attack and I thought it was a heart attack. I just laid down waiting for it pass but honestly I thought I was about to die.
Didn't call ambulance because I didn't want to. Dealing with social anxiety.
I have anxiety and have had anxiety attacks and panic attacks before.
My friend that recently found out what I am going through asked me how she could help.
I told her that she could look it up seeing as though I sometimes watch videos on TH-cam that help relax me when I feel anxious.
And I started having an attack in the middle of lunch at my school. She ran with me to the bathroom and helped me calm down.
When I asked her after school what she found that informed her on how to help me at the time, she showed me this video.
Thank you for making this, it helped give my friend a good amount of information to help me.
Now I know that if it ever happens again, she will be able to help calm me. So thank you very much!
When I had my first panic attack, I was in class reading a story we were asked to make. It was a graded assignment so I had to read. I was standing up in front of the class and couldn’t breathe. The teacher asked me to stop, breathe and continue reading because I was almost done. I tried but still couldn’t read. When I eventually got to my desk, I saw the teacher throw my grade sheet and tell me she was going to give me an A+ either way because I finished reading. I was crying and others were looking at me which made it worse. I covered my face with my hands and continued to cry. A girl came up next and acted like the same thing was happening to her. My teacher already knew it was fake because she tried to ‘faint’. The teacher automatically gave her an F and people stared at me again. It made it worse and I began to cry even more. After class, people started to laugh and tell their friends. Some people are disgusting.
I really prefer to be alone when having a panic attack, but since I can’t choose this video will be really helpful to people around me who have seen me experience panic attacks. It also helped me understanding why one of my shortest panic attacks was “so short”, my mom acted like said in this video. I hope it would reach more people and that they’d teach about this in schools
Ahhh, this is so helpful. My teachers showed this to the class for me and my friend with anxiety. ❤️
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TALKING ABOUT NOT TOUCHING THEM IF THEY DONT SAY YES!! Being touched by anyone other than two certian people makes it so much worse and makes me feel so uncomfortable. It may sound messed up, but I dont even like my mom touching me during them. If I'm near one of the two people I'm okay with touching, I just hold their hand and put my head on their shoulder and listen to their breathing and try to match mine to their's. They've gotten to know what helps me through them and I'm so incredibly thankful for them and love them so much.
The first time I had a panic attack in front of my mom she literally slapped me so I can "snap out of it" and when wondered why my panic only increased by being hit. Thanks, mom. I should send her this video.
this is so important. so many people when i’m having a panic attack, at least, hug me or take hold of my shoulders or even face, and make it worse. i know they mean well, but ask. always ask.
I had my first panic attack because a shadow in my hall way looked like a man. I was alone and it was 11:00 pm. I kept messaging my parents to turn a lamp on and when they finally agreed I was really close to passing out and I started calming down. I'm pathetic
Your not pathetic. I get panic attacks too. It's the worse. I get them usually when I'm alone. :/
I've had panic attacks just from stress at work. You're not pathetic.
you're not pathetic. You just get stressed. And it's okay. You just have to work at it.
I can totally understand that, I don't think it's pathetic. I've had panic attacks about things like that too.
You are NOT pathetic.
This is video is wonderful, and for everything else out there who's watching this to help someone they know when they have a panic attack, when someone is having a panic attack Do Not tell them to calm down. Do Not force them into a hug. Do Not walk away and leave them alone. Leaving someone alone during a panic attack will not help the situation unless the person having the attack requests you to do so. Even then still check up on them every few minutes until they feel comfortable with having you around again.
I'm glad I don't have Panic attacks too often. But when I do, boy, are they bad
I once heard a medical professional say I’m not going to empathize with you because that’s not what you need right now.
Bingo! Someone finally gets it.
Personally, as someone who deals with anxiety and panic attacks, my friends put on music. They sing/him to me or just let the music play. It makes me try to focus on the music more than my panic attack. It takes time for me to actually calm down from this but either way I start to calm down. I also don't mind being touched. Usually I don't mind being touched as long as it's one person. Too many people with overwhelm me and make the attack worse. I did have multiple panic attacks at school and I'm sure I still will. My friends help me through that troubling time. Knowing I'm now in high school and only 1 person who helps me with this is there, is harder for her to help me. But all in all, panic attacks are so hard to deal with. Sorry I wasted time with this comment but that's just my experience.
I had my first full on panic attack today at school.
My friend did most of these which makes me feel a lot better when I'm in their company.
Funny how some youtube channel can provide more tips than an actual psychiatrist. Mine almost laughed at me and mocked me for my "irrational fears", basically telling me to jut get over it and that what I was experiencing was me just overreacting and needing anti psychotics or anti depressants if I didn't stop.
Please beware of these type of therapists. They want to make you believe that you suffer from something you don't actually suffer from so they can put you on "meds" so you become easy to manipulate and so that they can fill their pocket easily.
Look for those therapists that actually care. Just a lil tip.
This almost made me cry. I’m going to have to show this to everyone I know who doesn’t experience anxiety or panic attacks because no one knows how to to this right. They always ask stupid questions and try to skip the easy basics.
My mum has panic attacks when she forgets to take her medicine. It makes me so sad to see her so distraught :( I'd do anything to help her feel okay again
I have a friend of mine who has panic attacks but only have our last 2 classes together and if I'm ever with her I can help her
Thank you for this video💞
I have driving anxiety and fighting off a panic attack while driving on the highway definitely is not fun :/
Stay safe!
I have that only on highways and oh my god I have a story to tell. One day my mom was teaching me how to drive so she made me get on the freeway. She told me to change lanes but I couldn't move the car. I was too scared, everything was too fast. I got off the freeway and she yelled at me. I had to pull over and park to go through a panic attack in a safer area. All this while she was STILL yelling at me to get over it. When I finally recovered I told her I didn't want to drive anymore but she yelled at me to do it anyway (and tried but failed to get me to go on the freeway again) ahh it was terrible. I'm NEVER using the freeway on my own ugh
P.S. My mom is a really sweet person, she just didn't understand what I was going through at that time. In her eyes, it looked like I was disobeying her and making a big deal out of it. I explained to her what happened and she won't do it again
Don't drive.
Uuhhhh what’s your favorite color?
Me too- it's the reason I don't have my license yet:/
this video is a blessing because I don't like to be touched before, during or after a panic attack! ty for this!
I had a panic attack once. I was homeschooled at the time, and no one had told me school was starting, so when my dad was like, 'Be ready for school tomorrow," I started freaking out. School was a huge stress for me at the time and I had depression as well (though I was not aware of it at the time). I hyperventilated, I got dizzy, my legs went numb, my stomach hurt from breathing so fast for so long... it was terrible.
Ellie Breedlove wait did they send you to public school without telling you beforehand? That's horrible.
Thatlizzygirl no. I just didn't realize I was starting the school year the next day.
I have VERY few friends i explain my panic attacks to, I tell them what usually happens and how to help, most people just brush it off as me being weird, but im glad that those few friends can actually help, and dont brush it off as just another moment of me being weird. Im going on a trip in about a month without my family and im happy that one of my friends im rooming with know all this stuff. If you have panic attacks, try to see if you can explain to someone what to do and not to do, (this view is amazing at doing so, but i find that different people experience different things). To anyone reading this, nice job, you've made it this far!
I had my first panic attack on Friday when I was queueing for McDonald's because I was in a group and the leader of the group didn't give me any money for food or drink so I started panicking that I was making a total fool of myself in public and I felt like I either wanted to cry or faint. To make matters worse, I have asthma and social anxiety.
We hope you get through it, don't give yourself a hard time and get the support you need
Psych2Go Thank you 💝
Trishy Angel THAT IS FREAKING PATHETIC
Mariela Lopez Cheers for the inspiration. 😒💯😒💯
Watch Out, I Spot Cancer! Well, no actually - I like to spend my time listening to music and watching movies.
The consent to touch is so so so important! I cannot express that enough. I've been touch without consent and it made it so much worse.
I have major anxiety, I didn’t realize how bad it was until a year after being diagnosed. I couldn’t breathe and thought my body was stopping from my lungs from taking in air. It was 3 in the morning and I asked my mom for help but snapped at me a few back asleep. I had to suffer through that for 3 hours and eventually I fell asleep. Mind you I am 14 and also have PTSD and that was very scary for me but I woke up the next morning I only realized 2 or 3 days ago that this was a panic attack. Crazy isn’t it.
Watching this brought my aftermath of a panic attack to a good surface level. Thank you
lol i'm struggling with this shit all alone
You don't have to do it alone!
There's some good calming videos on youtube, maybe try that sometime? They help you get your breathing back to normal. It's different for everyone what works best
How u doing now?
I'd add that if you're close to someone who you know has panic attacks, ask them when they are NOT in that state what helps them. I've actually developed a list of things which can help so people could pull yes/no questions from that if they wanted to. A lot of people hate being touched when they're panicking but I much prefer a tight safe hug & being able to copy someone's breathing.
Very healthy strategy :)
I am getting panic attacks daily but there is no one to help and support me I just went through a harsh brkup I m so depressed there is none to calm me down
Don't be afraid to ask someone for help
i recommend trying to get to a therapist. i did and it really improved my quality of life.
Whoever broke up with you does not deserve a amazing person like you
Do not punish yourself with their mistakes
I'm so thankful my mom knew what to do when I had a panic attack for the first time! She was so calm and collected and she just gave me a hug and told me the breathe and then when I was okay she just told me to lay down for a while.
i literally started panicking while watching the video, (0.0)...TF mind?
ur all good sameee!
This is super helpful to me. My gf deals with severe anxiety and a past of self harm. She hasn't had a panic attack with me yet, but when it might happen I now know how to help! Thanks!
my best friend has severe anxiety and when she has a panic attack it helps to calm her down if I hug her and ask her to describe random objects/ ask her what happened in a book she was reading or a movie she watched.
I've been diagnosed with GAD and Panic Disorder for six years. I've learned my ways of calming down during an attack. Going to a quiet room with little to no people in it helps me, going outside and sitting down in fresh air helps, cooling off via a fan or something else helps me due to developing a fever when I have an attack, texting or talking to family and friends about what's happening helps me feel like I'm not alone in the situation, and finally, figuring out what my triggers are and which trigger caused me to go into an attack can help me determine what I can do to get out of the situation with said trigger(s).
If you know someone who panics, ask them when they are calm how you should respond. These don't work for everyone.
Good idea, this video is only a start.
I had a panic attack at school once and none of the staff seemed to know what to do about it. I think ill offer them this video because its very true and very helpful.
i have an idiot dad who greatly needs this. thanks for the video!
I really wish schools covered things like this in our classes. Like if we could have just one day in the year that was dedicated to both mental issues and specifically what to do for a panic attack, I think we would have a lot less issues.
i had a panic attack at a school camping trip and the people in my cabin crowded around me and started yelling if i was okay and got a teacher... not exactly helpful
Forgive them, some people just want to help, but don't know how to!