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Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember04 Jan 2019, 12:02 pm AEDT

Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Panic attacks are overwhelming to go through and can affect anyone, not just those that live with mental health issues. It can be very difficult to see someone you care for in a moment of a panic attack. In this Topic Tuesday we will discuss insights that will help you better support a loved one who experiences panic attacks.

Special Event Note:

For this Topic Tuesday our content team will be reviewing our discussion after the night and will use some of your wonderful insights to help put together a SANE blog post to highlight helpful tips, strategies and thoughts on supporting loved one’s dealing with panic attacks. Quotes will be completely de-identified, your forum username will not be used and therefore your anonymity maintained and respected. If for some reason you do not want any posts quoted, please feel free to e-mail team@saneforums.org

Want to receive an email reminder on the night? Hit the 'Support' button below.

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77 replies

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In response to: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember22 Jan 2019, 7:58 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

It was a good 5 years after when I found out @Former-Member by which stage his Dx had been changed. Along the way had an interim Dx of GAD , a personality disorder with anxious and avoidant features + more.

In response to: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

JPJContributor22 Jan 2019, 7:59 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Holding his hands was all I could do that seemed to help. He would almost want to sit on top of me trying to get physically close

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember22 Jan 2019, 8:01 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Interesting @Former-Member - it can be hard to work through panic attacks vs an anxiety disorder too. Did Mr Darcy tell you anything about the experience of panic attacks? The anxiety can be a lot more chronic - wonder if anyone else here has noticed a difference in seeing anxiety in their loved ones versus a panic attack?

In response to: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

JPJContributor22 Jan 2019, 8:01 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

I think it was the breathing instructions on the meditation that was super helpful rather than the actual meditating. A male slow voice telling him how to breathe

In response to: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember22 Jan 2019, 8:04 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Yes @Former-Member its very important to get the person to control their breathing. Try counting with them as they breathe in and out. Also try to help them to get into the here and now. Grounding exercises can help with this

In response to: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

AdgeSenior Contributor22 Jan 2019, 8:05 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

So sorry I'm late @Former-Member & everyone.

Thanks for your reminder tag.

I haven't had experience in supporting a loved one through a panic attack.

I had several panic attacks myself, today (a few hours ago).

Adge

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Shaz51Senior Contributor22 Jan 2019, 8:05 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

it is unexpected and scary at the time @Former-Member, you are not sure when it will appear

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

JPJContributor22 Jan 2019, 8:06 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

There was a big difference between the panic attacks and the anxiety he now suffers. His panic attacks made him delirious, confused, sweaty, scared. His anxiety gives him migraines, sweats, nausea

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember22 Jan 2019, 8:06 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

That's great that that helped @JPJ! Good to notice that a soothing male voice resonated with him too.

here are some resources as well for other breathing techniques for anyone else here tonight.

alternate nostril breathing technique

controlled breathing techniques

@JPJ you mentioned that something that didn't work when your son was having a panic attack was talking him out of the panic attack - do you find that you can say other things to help or do you stay quiet with him?

In response to: Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Unknown userMember22 Jan 2019, 8:08 pm AEDT

Re: Topic Tuesday //Supporting a loved one through a panic attack // Tues 22 Jan, 7pm AEDT

Thanks @Former-Member - getting them into the moment is a really good technique too. Can you tell us a bit more about grounding exercises?

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