Anxiety Attack First Aid

Anxiety Attack First Aid

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Introduction

This section provides clear and practical information on Anxiety Attack First Aid for people in Canada. It is designed to help you understand how to respond safely and effectively if someone experiences an anxiety attack. This guidance focuses on first aid and prevention, not on full medical training or diagnosis.

An anxiety attack can cause sudden feelings of intense fear or discomfort. Knowing what to do at home can help reduce distress and support recovery. However, it is important to recognize when professional help is needed.

Medically reviewed by SASI Medical Review Board.

What You Can Do at Home

• Stay calm and speak in a gentle, reassuring tone.
• Encourage slow, deep breathing to help reduce panic.
• Help the person find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down.
• Offer water if they feel able to drink.
• Remain with the person until symptoms improve or help arrives.

What to Avoid

• Do not dismiss their feelings or tell them to ‘just calm down.’
• Avoid crowded or noisy environments that may worsen symptoms.
• Do not give medication unless prescribed and directed by a healthcare provider.

When to Call 911 or Seek Urgent Care

• If the person has chest pain, difficulty breathing, or loses consciousness.
• If symptoms worsen rapidly or do not improve after several minutes.
• If you are unsure whether the symptoms are due to an anxiety attack or another medical emergency.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Key facts

• Anxiety Attack First Aid focuses on helping someone experiencing intense fear or panic safely at home.
• Encourage slow, deep breathing to help reduce symptoms like shortness of breath and dizziness.
• Stay calm and offer reassurance; remind the person that the attack is temporary and not life-threatening.
• Avoid giving medical advice or suggesting substances like alcohol or medication unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Do not leave the person alone; stay with them until symptoms improve or help arrives.
• Call 911 or seek urgent care if the person has chest pain, difficulty breathing, fainting, or if symptoms worsen rapidly.
• Prevent future attacks by encouraging stress management techniques and consulting a healthcare provider for ongoing support.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Recognizing symptoms and danger signs

Anxiety Attack First Aid starts with knowing the typical symptoms and When to seek urgent help. Anxiety attacks can vary from mild to severe, and understanding these differences helps you respond safely.

Mild symptoms

• Feeling nervous or restless
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Sweating or trembling
• Shortness of breath or a sense of choking
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded

These symptoms can often be managed at home by encouraging slow, deep breathing and a calm environment. Avoid rushing or forcing the person to “snap out of it.”

Moderate symptoms

• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Feeling detached from reality or oneself
• Intense fear of losing control or going crazy
• Nausea or abdominal distress

At this stage, stay with the person and offer reassurance. Help them focus on breathing slowly. Do not leave them alone or dismiss their feelings.

Severe symptoms and red flags

• Chest pain that feels like pressure or squeezing
• Difficulty breathing that worsens or does not improve
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Severe confusion or inability to communicate
• Signs of a heart attack or stroke

If any of these occur, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Do not try to manage these symptoms at home, as they may indicate a life-threatening condition.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Immediate first aid steps

If someone is experiencing an anxiety attack, there are safe and practical steps you can take right away to help them feel more comfortable while waiting for further assistance. These actions focus on calming the person and ensuring their safety.

What you can do at home or in the community

• Encourage the person to sit down in a quiet, comfortable place.
• Help them focus on slow, deep breaths-breathing in through the nose for about four seconds, holding briefly, then breathing out through the mouth for about six seconds.
• Use calm, reassuring words to let them know you are there to help.
• Suggest grounding techniques, such as naming five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste.
• Stay with the person until the anxiety attack passes or until professional help arrives.

What to avoid

• Do not dismiss their feelings or tell them to “just calm down.”
• Avoid crowded or noisy environments that may increase their distress.
• Do not offer food, drink, or medication unless prescribed and previously approved by a healthcare provider.
• Never leave the person alone if they feel faint, dizzy, or disoriented.

When to call 911 or seek urgent care

Call 911 or local emergency services immediately if the person:

• Has chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness.
• Shows signs of confusion, loss of consciousness, or inability to respond.
• Has a history of heart problems or other serious medical conditions and symptoms worsen rapidly.
• Expresses thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

For less severe symptoms, encourage the person to contact their healthcare provider or visit urgent care for further evaluation. Remember, Anxiety Attack First Aid focuses on safe, supportive actions that anyone can provide while waiting for professional help.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – What NOT to do

When providing Anxiety Attack First Aid, certain actions can make the situation worse. Avoid these common mistakes to keep the person safe and calm.

Do NOT

• Tell the person to “just calm down” or dismiss their feelings. This can increase their distress and make them feel misunderstood.
• Force deep or rapid breathing. Trying to control their breath too much may cause dizziness or panic to worsen.
• Give medication or substances without professional advice. Never offer alcohol, drugs, or unprescribed medication during an anxiety attack.
• Leave the person alone if they feel faint, confused, or unable to communicate. Stay with them until they feel safer or help arrives.
• Ignore signs of a medical emergency. If the person experiences chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or confusion, call 911 immediately.
• Make sudden movements or loud noises that could startle the person. Keep the environment calm and quiet.

Remember, Anxiety Attack First Aid focuses on reassurance and safety. Avoid actions that increase fear or physical symptoms. If you are unsure or the situation worsens, seek urgent medical help without delay.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – When to call 911 or seek urgent care

If you or someone else is experiencing an anxiety attack, it is important to know when to call 911, go to the emergency department, or seek care from a walk-in clinic or family doctor.

Call 911 immediately if:

• There are signs of a heart attack or stroke, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, weakness on one side, or sudden confusion.
• The person loses consciousness or is unresponsive.
• Severe difficulty breathing or choking occurs.
• There is severe chest pain that does not improve with rest.
• The person has thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Go to the emergency department if:

• An anxiety attack is severe and does not improve after several minutes of calming techniques.
• There are repeated anxiety attacks that interfere with daily activities.
• There are new or worsening physical symptoms that could be related to other medical conditions.

See a family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic if:

• Anxiety attacks are mild to moderate and manageable at home but occur frequently.
• You need advice on managing anxiety or want to discuss treatment options.
• There are no urgent physical symptoms, but ongoing support is needed.

Remember, Anxiety Attack First Aid focuses on safety. When in doubt, it is better to seek urgent care or call 911 to ensure proper evaluation and treatment.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Ongoing care and follow-up

After an anxiety attack, it is important to monitor your symptoms and take steps to support your recovery at home. Most people can manage ongoing care safely with simple self-care and awareness.

What to do at home

• Rest in a quiet, comfortable space until you feel calmer.
• Practice slow, deep breathing to help reduce tension.
• Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or alcohol, which may worsen anxiety.
• Use relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or gentle stretching.
• Keep a journal to note any triggers or patterns in your anxiety attacks.

What to avoid

• Do not ignore worsening or new symptoms, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing.
• Avoid self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.
• Do not isolate yourself completely; reach out to trusted friends or family if possible.

When to seek medical care

Book a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider if anxiety attacks continue, increase in frequency, or interfere with daily life. They can help develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Call 911 or go to the emergency department immediately if you experience:

• Severe chest pain or pressure
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or confusion
• Loss of consciousness or fainting

Watching for delayed warning signs is key. If you notice persistent dizziness, palpitations, or intense fear returning after the initial attack, seek urgent care without delay.

Following these steps will help you manage anxiety attack first aid safely and know when professional help is needed.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Prevention tips

Preventing anxiety attacks involves simple, practical steps you can take at home, work, school, and in your community. These strategies help reduce triggers and improve overall well-being.

At home

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule to support mental health.
• Practice deep breathing or mindfulness exercises daily to manage stress.
• Create a calm environment by reducing noise and clutter.
• Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can increase anxiety symptoms.

At work and school

• Take regular breaks to stretch and breathe deeply.
• Organize tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Communicate with supervisors or teachers about your needs when possible.
• Use stress-relief techniques like brief walks or quiet moments.

In the community

• Engage in social activities that feel safe and supportive.
• Use safety equipment like helmets or seat belts to reduce injury risk during activities.
• Be aware of your surroundings and avoid situations that increase anxiety.

Remember, if you or someone else experiences severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness during an anxiety attack, call 911 or local emergency services immediately. These signs may indicate a medical emergency beyond anxiety attack first aid.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – FAQs

What is the best first aid for an anxiety attack?

Stay calm and speak in a gentle, reassuring tone. Encourage the person to breathe slowly and deeply. You can guide them to breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, then breathe out for 4 seconds. This helps reduce panic and regain control.

Can I help someone at home during an anxiety attack?

Yes, you can provide support by:

• Helping them find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down.
• Encouraging slow, steady breathing.
• Listening without judgement and offering reassurance.
• Suggesting grounding techniques, like naming five things they see or hear.

Avoid telling them to “calm down” or dismissing their feelings, as this may increase distress.

When should I call 911 or seek urgent care?

Call 911 immediately if the person:

• Has chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness.
• Shows signs of a stroke or heart attack.
• Is unable to communicate or loses consciousness.
• Has symptoms that worsen rapidly or do not improve after several minutes.

Is medication needed during an anxiety attack?

Medication is not usually needed for a single anxiety attack. However, if the person has prescribed medication, they should use it as directed. Never offer or suggest medication without professional advice.

How can anxiety attacks be prevented?

Encourage healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced sleep, and stress management techniques. If anxiety attacks happen often, suggest seeing a healthcare provider for assessment and support.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – Summary

Anxiety Attack First Aid involves simple, safe steps you can take at home to help someone experiencing intense anxiety. Encourage slow, deep breathing and offer calm reassurance. It is important to avoid actions that may increase panic, such as rushing or forcing the person to “snap out of it.”

Here are key points to remember:

• Stay with the person and speak in a gentle, supportive tone.
• Help them focus on slow, steady breaths to reduce symptoms.
• Do not leave them alone if they feel overwhelmed or disoriented.
• Avoid giving medication or substances unless prescribed and supervised by a healthcare provider.

Seek urgent medical care or call 911 if the person:

• Has chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness.
• Shows signs of confusion, fainting, or loss of consciousness.
• Has symptoms that worsen rapidly or do not improve with calming techniques.

Always prioritise safety and do not hesitate to get professional help when needed. Early support and proper care can make a significant difference in managing anxiety attacks effectively.

Anxiety Attack First Aid – External Resources

• Health Canada
• Mayo Clinic – Anxiety
• World Health Organization – Mental Disorders
• Canadian Red Cross – Mental Health Emergencies

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or emergency care. Always call 911 or your local emergency number in a medical emergency.