America has high numbers of the population that suffer from Panic Disorder. Many of them tend to get it under control, but that doesn’t mean they won’t panic while in a public place or social situation. When this occurs, there are several things that anyone can do to help calm down the one who is panicking and those who are around at that moment.

1 – Remain Calm. The last thing a person who is already panicking needs is those around them also panicking. Speak in a calm, level, quiet voice. Reassure the sufferer that the danger he or she may perceive is not as bad as it seems. Remember, to them the danger – whatever it consists of – is very real and is eliciting an instinctive fight or flight reaction.

2 – Do not overreact. In many cases it is not even necessary to call 911 unless there are clear signs that a sufferer has inadvertently injured themselves or another. Paramedics cannot treat a panic attack any differently than a calm member of the public can. It is embarrassing enough for the sufferer to be having the attack in the first place, without people screaming about calling 911, sirens and lots of uniforms. Find as quiet a place as possible, removing the person from as many potential sources of fear as possible, and sit with them until the attack passes.

3 – People or open spaces may be the problem. Look for a place to take the afflicted person, where they will be free from these two potential triggers (the exception being that they are not in a small, crowded space when the attack happens, and the social phobia isn’t the real issue). Try to reassure those surrounding you as calmly and as politely as possible that everything is under control and that help is on the way.

4 – Determine if the sufferer is on medication. If they are, help them find it. They will know what and how much, but in a panicked state they may need guidance to remember to actually find and take medication. Calm reassurance without being accusing will help them remember and may also tranquil them. Avoid panicking them further by searching through their belongings; let them find and take the medication, your role is to calm them as much as possible to allow them to do so.

5 – Stay with the sufferer until the attack passes. Very rarely does an attack last longer than half an hour. In most cases, it is over and the sufferer completely back to normal in less than 15 minutes. Remaining with the sufferer lessens the chance of the attack returning.

To find out more how to Stop Panic Attacks, and download a FREE self-help guide on how to Start Reducing Stress NOW for your needs.