Happiful – September 2019

AFTER AN ATTACK

Panic attacks typically last between

five and 20 minutes, but can last

more than an hour. Try not to

assume you know when their panic

attack is over; wait for them to tell

you. Once you know it’s finished,

validate their experience, and offer

some space for them to talk about

how they’re feeling. For example:

“That must have been scary for

you, do you feel like talking or do

you want to rest?”

Taking the time to talk can help

both of you to feel calmer. You can

also check in to see if what you did

was helpful for them, or if they

would prefer you do something

different in the future. Finally, be

sure to check on them throughout

the day. If they’re finding it hard to

work, maybe suggest they take the

rest of the day off.

Sometimes anxiety and panic

attacks are a symptom of

workplace stress. If this is the case,

encourage your colleague to speak

to their manager and/or HR for

support, and ask if there’s anything

you can do to make things less

stressful.

Finally, it’s important to

remember to look after yourself

after helping someone with a panic

attack. Making time for self-care

will help you feel better mentally

and physically, so you can continue

to support others.

SIGNS OF A PANIC ATTACK

• Feelings of impending doom
  
  
  • Pounding heart
    
    
    • Sweating
    
    
    • Dizziness
    
    
    
    
  
  
  
  


• Difficulty breathing


• Chest pain


• Choking sensation/
  tight throat

If you and your colleagues want

to be better prepared for situations

like panic attacks, consider getting

trained in mental health first aid.

Happiful and Simpila Healthy

Solutions provide courses across

the UK to teach you how to listen,

reassure and respond, even in a

crisis. Learn more and find a course

near you at happiful.com/mental-

health-first-aid-training

Once you know it’s

over, validate their

experience and

offer some space for

them to talk about

how they’re feeling

September 2019 • happiful.com • 49

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