What To Do When A Loved One Is Having An Anxiety Attack? Twitter User Shares Helpful List.

Mental disorders can sometimes be confusing for people who haven’t been through or seen someone go through an episode. While with physical illnesses the symptoms are apparent and patients are rushed to seek help, unfortunately mental illnesses don’t get the same treatment. This is also owing to the fact that there is still a certain stigma that surrounds any sort of mental disorders.

But what this girl did is going to make you give her a standing ovation.

Twitter user, Kelsey Darragh suffers from panic and anxiety disorder. This can make the patient have severe attacks where she feels palpitation, difficulty in breathing extreme fear, shaking and even numbness.

The entire episode can be taxing and exhausting.

While may people speak up about the issue and what they’re going through few act upon it.

Kelsey’s boyfriend wanted to understand what she goes through so that he could be there for her and help out when needed. In order to do so she made a list of fifteen things that could help calm her down and make her believe that this too shall pass.

I have panic & anxiety disorder. My boyfriend does not… but wants to understand it so he can help me. SO I made him this list! Feel free to share w ur loved ones that need guidance! pic.twitter.com/k8pcCfzMcj

— kelsey darragh (@kelseydarragh) May 11, 2018

The points explain exactly how he should behave and tells him things like “make gentle suggestions” and “keep breathing with me”.

See them below in detail:

The post instantly went viral and people started appreciating the effort she’s made to help him understand the complicated nuances that go into a mental disorder.

She even said that people could add their own tips to get through a panic attack and Twitter very much obliged.

1. Duly noted.

If you’re somewhere inside then go outside and try stabilizing your breathing. Fresh air will always help.

Focus on something, preferably a bright color and continue to focus your breathing.

I found this picture a while back and I practice it every time. pic.twitter.com/9756KSpEDQ

— shelbs. (@shelbychelvy) May 12, 2018

2. Wow!

Hey @kelseydarragh I’m a psychotherapist and I saved this list to show some of my clients and ask them to explore making their own. Thanks for sharing 💙💙

— BCH (@brittchiggins) May 12, 2018

3. That’s some more tips.

If I can feel the anxiety building to critical mass I tap my thumbs to each finger of the hand in a steady rhythm, it helps anchor my body and mind to a solid point I can try and find my way back to. In theory it could be used by others to help me find a stable breathing pattern.

— Tom Bydaand. ✊🏾🏳️‍🌈 (@tombydand) May 12, 2018

4. They say music can do wonders.

talking quiet and trying to keep space between me and strangers is really helpful. having a playlist with calming music is helpful for me so having quick access is really good but idk if that helps for you

— sage ミ☆ (@cardcllini) May 11, 2018

5. Applause!

This is awesome kudos to your BF for wanting to know

— Sea 🏳️‍🌈 (@Che1seArmy) May 11, 2018

6. Everyone’s panic and anxiety coping is different.

https://twitter.com/bleachersnow/status/995052248425263104

7. Breathe in and out.

I always tell people to tell me to slow down… My panic attacks are accompanied with a level of mania that if someone just brings me into the moment to slow down, I can hold off the worst of it.

— Tom (@tfgill) May 11, 2018

8. Distracting yourself can help sometimes.

I've suffered from panic attacks for 24 years now. Your list is perfect. My Dad was my safe person, he had the knack to ask me questions that had nothing to do with what was happening right now. Really make me have to think. It worked for me.

— Bob Perry (@ideaman21) May 13, 2018

While you may not understand, it becomes essential that you become a little more empathetic towards what the other person is going through. Mental disorders can be challenging but if the patient has a listening ear by their side, it becomes a whole lot easier. So when you don’t know how to help a loved one go through a panic or an anxiety attack, all you’ve to do it ask. It’ll mean the world, trust me! ❤