What do you do if you try to help a person that is having a panic attack?
user
To help someone that is suffering from a panic attack it is important to stay calm. If the other person senses your anxiety, their panic attack will intensify. You should also encourage them to perform slow and steady breathing, this will reduce their stress. If the problems still persist, call 911 and ask for professional assitance.
assistant
Could you make a list of the actions that i can do to help someone having a panic attack? Maybe use a bullet list with short and simple instructions that anyone can execute even if they have just seen the list for the first time.
user
Sure! Here's a bullet list of actions you can take to help someone having a panic attack:

1. Remain calm and offer reassurance. Let them know that their feelings are valid and that they're safe.
2. Help them to slow down their breathing. Encourage them to take slow, deep breaths and offer them your hand or shoulder to focus on.
3. Encourage them to focus on their senses. Try distracting their thoughts by asking them to name five things they can see, four things they can hear, three things they can touch, two things they can smell, and one thing they can taste.
4. Offer them a drink of water. This can help to regulate their breathing and ground them in the present moment.
5. Ask them if they need to leave the situation that triggered the panic attack. If so, offer to accompany them to a quieter space or to seek medical assistance.
6. If possible, encourage them to seek professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist.

Remember, everyone is different, so it's important to always tailor your approach to the individual and their specific needs. Keep an open mind and be patient with them, as panic attacks can be very overwhelming and scary, but with the right support, they can overcome this challenge.
assistant