So telling someone “what’s the big deal?” is the same as giving someone with a major snake phobia a pet boa constrictor to hold and then wondering why they run screaming out of the room. Your help needs to be actually helpful to merit the trust of someone suffering from panic attacks. One of the most basic easy things is just to talk to them in a calm and distracting way. Encourage them to breathe deeply and give them a remember-when story or even tell a joke. The brain can only hold out those feelings of panic so long and can cut them off if distracted by humor or happy thoughts.

Reassure them without critique. Simply letting someone know you are there and reminding them that these feelings will pass can be a huge help in calming them down. Fighting panic will only make them feel more of it so encourage calmness and relaxation. A human touch can also work wonders, so hold there hand or give them a pat on the back or even a back rub if you are comfortable enough with them. This will help to immediately center them and reduce the feelings on unreality and disassociation that they may be feeling.

It is important in being able to help that you learn as much about panic attacks as you can. You will never fully understand what it feels like, but you can get an idea of what exactly they are experiencing at the time of the attack and keep that in mind while helping them. It is not only at that time that they will need help also; many people live with the fear of when the next one is coming. Reassure them that no matter when it happens they can make it through and if you see them starting to stress change the subject. Do something fun to take their minds off it, also encourage them to get some kind of help, whether it is a full blown therapy session or to try a natural anxiety aid.

Do things at home that will decrease stress and anxiety, so as this will not cause and trigger more attacks or worsening of the symptoms. If you are involved in a relationship with some one who has this condition, light some candles and play some low key music, it will be both romantic and helpful at the same time.