Let’s talk about anxiety; it isn’t something new because a majority of today’s generation has it.
But people need to understand that general anxiety and anxiety disorder are two different things. A majority of people would often get confused between these two because they are not able to identify the difference.
However, having an anxiety disorder is a severe problem that needs to be taken care of. If left untreated, it keeps getting worse as we grow older. You won’t even be able to live a normal, healthy life if you have an anxiety disorder.
Guys, meet Bojack Horseman. He understands what’s anxiety.
A writer named Kelsey Darragh suffers from anxiety disorder, and she has frequent panic attacks, which is a nightmare for the people who have it. Kelsey decided to write a guide for her boyfriend so that when she has a panic attack, he would know what to do.
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
When someone has a panic attack, we don’t understand what they are feeling. So, we just ask them to relax or try to control themselves, which is absolutely wrong!
As Kelsey wrote in her journal: “Tell me not to fight it—rather, let it pass through me. The wore I try to control it [or for YOU to try and control it] the worse it will be.”
While having a panic attack, a pillow seems delicious.
Let’s take a look at the 15 points journal that Kelsey wrote.
15 realistic things you can do to help me through a panic attack!
1. Know that I am scared and won’t be able to explain why, so please don’t freak out of be annoyed with me.
2. Find my meds if they’re nearby and make sure I take it.
3. Breathing exercises are going to frustrate me but they are vital. Try and get me to sync my breathing with yours.
4. Make gentle suggestions of things we could do together to distract my panic. (Don’t tell me what I need/should do – and listen when I say no to something).
5. For dissociative panic, remind me that this has happened before and this too shall pass! It always does, but it’s scary when it’s happening so maybe tell me some fun facts about me or our life together that will make me smile or laugh.
6. Sips of water can be helpful but don’t tell me I need to eat or drink because trust me I feel like I’m going to vomit.
7. Keep breathing with me!
8. If we can leave where we are – take me home!
9. Please be really really nice to me. I’m not feeling like myself and I’m embarrassed. Feeling guilty already for putting you through this so please don’t get frustrated with me.
10. Sometimes a really long big, loose, long hug will make me feel safe.
11. Helping me breathe will be hard but so key!
12. If it’s really bad – call my mum or sister or BFF on the phone for me!
13. Tell me not to fight it – rather, let it pass through me. The more I try to control it, or for you to try and control it, the worse it will be.
14. Empathise with me! You may not get it, but you get me!
15. Once it passes (like hours later), open up a dialogue with me about it. How’d you do? What can we do next time?
People on Twitter (suffering from anxiety disorders) decided to add more points to the list.
Yeah, that sounds good too but it actually varies from person to person.
https://twitter.com/bgltsantiago/status/995048010420752384
This seems quite helpful.
This has helped me through some tough times maybe it could help you both too pic.twitter.com/yfxLzInF0h
— Andy Roberts (@murdle1270) May 13, 2018
See, the method above works for this girl but, of course, it depends on the intensity of the attack.
Yes, that helps too.
My anxiety attacks can be quite dissociative (with seizure like effects), a big thing I've found helpful is to firmly massage localized areas (like my shoulders). I concentrate on the pressure, its grounding without having to think & not too overstimulating. Your bf can do it too
— EmmaLumi ꕥ Blog (@emmalumi_xx) May 15, 2018
They do, indeed.
If you feel you have to cry – do so. Tears mostly help to ease the tension.
— Sabine Mueller (@SabineMueller__) May 18, 2018
Yep, that works for sure.
https://twitter.com/mamriemarbles/status/995047084461117442
Last but not the least, if the person is really attached to you and you have to handle them, you must remember this:
Do you know anyone who’s going through an anxiety disorder?
This article was originally published on RearFront.