Anxiety & Panic How to Help a Sufferer of Anxiety & Panic Disorder
by: Joanne King
I have written this article for the family and friends of Anxiety and Panic sufferers, not for “the anxiety sufferer” as I know some sufferers will not seek help for themselves and other sufferers are convinced that what they are experiencing is Anxiety and Panic Attacks.
As I can imagine it is painful to watch someone you love and care for deeply go through what may appear as quite self destructing. Of course it affects you and takes its toll on you especially if you are living with a sufferer.
I saw what it was doing to my husband (who nearly lost his job due to me constantly calling him telling him I needed to go to the hospital or I needed him to be with me). I saw my family’s heart just sink as they watched me lose my job due to my anxiety and panic disorder.
I wouldn’t go visit them (they lived out of town and I was too frightened to travel). I couldn’t look them in the eye because I always felt I was gasping for air and I knew very well I wasn’t a pretty sight for the eyes. And of course I really did hate hearing “you’re over re-acting”.
If you are reading this then you are clearly looking for some answers for your loved one and I truly commend you for caring so deeply for their well-being. What you are doing will not be forgotten and one day they will be strong enough to thank you for your support. I also believe in karma, what goes around comes around; no good deed goes without reward.
Here is how you can play a part in helping your loved one to become well.
- Never tell the sufferer they’re over re-acting. I can assure you what they are feeling is pretty dam frightening and the sensations are real. By informing the sufferer they are over re-acting will only agitate and upset them and may even make the panic attack worse.
- When the sufferer is having a panic attack get a wet washer and place it on their forehead and around their face.
- Stay reassuring and let them know they will be ok
- If the sufferer constantly asks for trips to the hospital and visits to the doctor, get them to write out everything they think they are suffering from. Every ache every pain. Be persistent in the fact they must not miss writing down one thing. Hold onto that piece of paper and schedule a doctor’s appointment for them. Accompany them at the visit and be firm with the doctor that you would like this investigated further. Sometimes there can be an underlying illness that has triggered the anxiety and panic disorder.
- Guide them to information that can help them with Anxiety and Panic Attacks (The more they are educated on Anxiety and Panic Attacks the less frightening the attacks often become, especially information that is written by former sufferers, it assures the sufferer they are not alone and they really can overcome it).
- If they ask something of you that is unrealistic or interferes with something you already had planned, be firm and say no. You need your time too.
- Don’t become “their crutch”. If you run to every beck and call they will not learn to help themselves. And as scary and frightening as it might be, the only way they will become well again will be through helping themselves.
Ensure that while caring for an anxiety and panic sufferer that you also take time for yourself. Your health and well-being is important too!
© Joanne King – http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com
About the Author – Joanne King is a former sufferer of Anxiety & Panic Attacks. She is the author of “How to Overcome Anxiety & Panic Attacks”. She has helped other sufferers Worldwide to eliminate their Anxiety & Panic attacks. http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com
- To learn more about Anxiety Disorders, see Anxiety Disorders
- For more on Mental Health, visit the Mental Health Section of Teen Health Secrets
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