What to do if you have a panic attack? Instructions from a psychologist

What to do if you have a panic attack? Instructions from a psychologist

In stressful and tense moments, it is more important than ever to stay calm.

Panic attack is a potentially dangerous condition that is encountered more often than it may seem. In such a situation, it is important to know how to help yourself. After all, the usual “calm down” does not always work.

Praktiline psühholoog, kehaterapeut

If you have a panic attack, it is very important to “ground yourself”.

As a rule, a panic attack manifests itself as an attack of uncontrollable anxiety and fear and is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms:

• palpitations;
• shortness of breath;
• loss of touch with reality;
• tension;
• tremors throughout the body, etc.

If you have a panic attack:

• do not try to fight it;
• stay where you are if possible (if it is safe to do so);
• try to breathe slowly and deeply;

• remind yourself that sooner or later the panic will stop;
• try to focus on positive thoughts, as cliché as it sounds, think good thoughts;
• remember that this condition is not life-threatening.