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.
Title: Anxiety & Panic – How to Help a Sufferer of Anxiety & Panic
Disorder
Author: Joanne King
Article:
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.
1.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.
2.When the sufferer is having a panic attack get a wet washer
and place it on their forehead and around their face.
3. Stay reassuring and let them know they will be ok
4.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.
5.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)
6.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.
7.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:
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
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