Anxiety is the most common mental health disorder in the United States. In fact, nearly 32% of adults will experience an anxiety disorder during their lives. Moreover, you likely know someone who is coping with symptoms, such as excessive feelings of anxiety, worrying, or dread that interfere with their everyday lives. So, how do you help someone with anxiety?
Most experts suggest family members can help their loved ones during an anxiety or panic attack by offering empathetic, advised support. Here are certain tips that are likely helpful:
- Remain calm, and let the person know they’re okay.
- Continue with the person and help them get through the episode.
- Stay positive and re-assuring. Tone and delivery are important.
- Encourage your loved one to seek help from professionals who can provide treatment and medication to get anxiety and panic under command.
What Happens During an Anxiety Attack?
Anxiety attack isn’t a term doctors use. Nonetheless, it is a generally used as a way to express advanced levels of worry or stress. So, what happens during an anxiety attack? Regularly, people in anxiety attack mode will be noticeably anxious. They may feel stressed or terribly worried. They can also be tired and lacking sleep. At the same time, they may find it difficult or even impossible to focus, remember new things, or feel calm. The whole idea is that an anxiety attack will look and feel severe.
What NOT to Do When Someone Is Experiencing an Anxiety Attack?
First, don’t say or do anything that minimizes their anxiety attack. The anxiety or panic they feel is real to them, even if you don’t understand their reaction to the circumstance. Instead, be compassionate, kind, and non-judgmental that lets your family know you are there for them. Also, don’t try and make sense of the event while it’s happening. And, lastly don’t tell someone experiencing a panic or anxiety attack to calm down — it won’t help, and likely will worsen the situation.
What Is the Difference Between a Panic Attack and an Anxiety Attack?
A panic attack is much more intense and shorter than an anxiety attack. When somebody has a panic attack, it’s an all-of-a-sudden feeling. Panic attacks have strong physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing, heart palpitations and they might feel like they’re suffering a heart attack, with chest pain, hyperventilation, shivering, chills, or profuse sweating. In anxiety attacks, the stress (or triggers) build-up over time. The person experiencing anxiety can usually regulate themselves, while those in panic attack mode don’t see coming.
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
