What NOT To Say To Someone Who Is Having A Panic Attack

[@rainadunham8293]

"Your being dramatic, just stop crying"

[@chimmyproductions8926]

I hear that always. It makes me feel even worse and my hands start shaking more. God everyone around me tells me i'm just pretending to be "sick" when i'm really not. I hate having panick attacks. They tell me go get help and I want to but my mind just doesn't allow me..I can't even do presentation at school and i always miss classes because of it.

[@thefantasticnerd6076]

@@chimmyproductions8926 sameee how is it going ?

[@chimmyproductions8926]

@@thefantasticnerd6076 well nothing has changed

[@thefantasticnerd6076]

@@chimmyproductions8926 im sorry to hear that. I’m very scared of presentations I’m a senior in highschool so that’s the only good thing that came out of this pandemic

[@chimmyproductions8926]

@@thefantasticnerd6076 you just made my night 😭. Aww hang in there. Oh happy new years

[@itsclairenicole]

People tell me a lot "There's nothig to be afraid of" and "Why are you so worried?" I'm just like 😒 "Why are you asking me this?!?!"

[@Weepingwillow14]

Person: but you have nothing to fear Me: school Person: everyone hate school Me: I know but you don't see it in my eyes Sorry

[@richarddawson6789]

Yeah and when I have them literally everything makes me mad

[@LivingwithHealthAnxiety]

"Oh, get over it! It's all in your head!" That was wonderful for me to hear.....

[@chimmyproductions8926]

:(

[@Weepingwillow14]

If someone says this I'm saying " well you don't feel like your dying ever time you have one"

[@mnybags07]

I might sound corny but I don't care this video actually mad me cry. My fiance suffers from this and EVERY SINGLE THING you said not to say I say. Now I love her with every once of my heart so I don't do it in ill will but just the fact that I was possibly making it worse kills me because I know what she's going through. I'm so glad I found this video thank you so much for making this video. So many people just don't understand and I'll admit I used to be one of them.

[@zlatanmustacevic9261]

Many thanks, been searching for "is it an anxiety attack" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Supreme Panic Magic - (Have a quick look on google cant remember the place now ) ? Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my mate got great success with it.

[@chase4978]

mnybags07 know exactly wht you talking about. Definitely a good video for us guys who just want to help

[@Sotica1324]

mnybags07 I cried too😿

[@sarahskye3356]

I cried because my husband says these every time😢

[@breehayes3]

worst thing someone has said to me when I was having a really bad panic attack was" Just calm down! YOU'RE BEING OVERDRAMATIC" I had never felt more alone when they said that, and it made me panic more because I thought no one cared that I wasn't okay :(

[@breehayes3]

Amanda Bush Aw thank you ^-^

[@SoloLifter410]

Bree Hayes I love you

[@mufasa2005]

Bree Hayes i'm sorry you had to go through that. usually ppl who have no experience with this do not actually understand how it feels to be trapped in it. they can't possibly understand that in those few moments, it really does feel like the end of the world or that nothing is ever going to go right bc nothing IS going right. they can't understand bc they can't see past their own lives. "if i can be fine why can't everybody else." :( it's not their fault; they are just ignorant. but for every idiot like that, there are two more ppl that DO understand, bc life is hard. but just remember: though times won't last, tough ppl do. :) good luck

[@tom-rw1dt]

I probably would have literally eaten that person.

[@tom-rw1dt]

I probably would have literally eaten that person.

[@LizzyJane1]

"There's no reason for you to be having a panic attack."

[@sodabunny5554]

I hate when people act like it's no big deal...and when someone asks "what's wrong with her/him?" And someone else interrupts with "Oh she's/he's fine..." Like...no. I'm not fine. I feel like I'm dying.

[@gingerm1nge]

Are they not just trying to get ppl to stop asking u

[@kianlawleyfanfiction9078]

I hate when people say "breathe" or "calm down"

[@thereptilianhoe1745]

Well don't expect evryone to know what to say either

[@kianlawleyfanfiction9078]

+Waddup Junior I don't

[@morritician]

Kian Lawley Fan fiction actually what you are supposed to do when someone is having a panic attack is, sit them down in case they pass out, ask if you can touch them, remind them who you are and where they are, keep reminding them to breathe and count to ten start counting fast then count slow as their breathing slows, and ask grounding questions,” like what’s your name? Where are you from? What is your sibling/friend/significant others name?

[@emmalaughland1215]

Suga’s lost Kookie that could be true for some people, but everyone is different and no one thing works for everyone

[@skylera3973]

I like when someone says “breathe with me” but when someone just says breathe I’m just like oh thanks I feel so much better noww

[@amesailor]

Me: I'm having a panic attack. Person: Are you going to die? Me: Yes Person: Bummer.....

[@limegl0wstix]

oh my god, that's one of the absolute worst. "I'm having a panic attack." "That sucks." Once I even got "Sucks for you." Like, yeah, it does. A lot.

[@Weepingwillow14]

Panic attack are the worst

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

When I was a teenager I suffered from extreme anxiety and had panic attacks pretty regularly. My mom would always sluff it off. She'd usually see it as just another form of a temper tantrum and say things like "oh you're fine". For the longest time I went into my room to calm myself down. One time I ended up having a panic attack where I ended up sitting on the floor pressed into a corner. My mom did her usual "oh you're fine" and tried to ignore me. Out of desperation I held out my hand and said "come here". It was all I was really able to say. Finally something seemed to click for my mom and she knelt down and hugged me. That helped so much. Just knowing that she understood that I wasn't being a spoiled brat. She held me until I calmed down. Afterwards we had a long talk about what she can do next time I get into that state

[@breathetruth2623]

"sit down, drama queen"

[@cowpoke02]

I might hurt them so I feel better faster . that might cause panic to a post traumatic tyrade haha .

[@yogalove1515]

Terrible. Your not a drama queen. The pain is so real!

[@Kyrahbrown33]

My cousin told me :"you're always overeating and making things worse" she doesn't know I have anxiety and depression and a day after that I asked my friends why they always exclude me and one of them responded:"because we're closer to each other and your a drama queen" It hurts me so much, maybe I and overeating. But I bottle up my emotions cause I don't have a shoulder to cry on

[@yogalove1515]

@@Kyrahbrown33 I have one advice that I took from someone. Know you are hurting. Honor your feelings. Try not to ask or talk to others that are not knowledgeable in this topic. And you are perfect the way you are! Unfortunately people mean well, they just can’t understand. And stick to people that have these same issues that are dealing with it the right way. Sending you so much healing energy. You got this. Stay strong 🦋

[@saramclaughlin7927]

"you're doing this to yourself, this is self induced" I guess technically it is but *I cannot help it* then in later during the same panic attack (shouted) "STOP IT YOU NEED TO STOP" yelling at someone during anxiety attack is the worst thing you can do. and the weirdest part? those comments came from someone who suffers from a panic disorder themselves. I know.

[@gracie4637]

Wow

[@thenardiersiblings]

I had a panic attack at class once. The classroom was super loud, everyone was shouting over each other. I didn’t want anyone to see, so I put my head down. My teacher started screaming at me. I blacked out.

[@BushidoBrown76]

"Are you okay"? Worst thing to keep asking someone when they're having a panic attack.

[@artisanlocal2881]

Those words just make you think" is everything OK" for me then the snow ball of what ifs start. Then panic goes way up cause maybe it's not ok

[@fairlylocaldreamer7917]

+Artisan Local Same here, like it will be mild before people ask if im okay, and then when they ask it just gets worse :(

[@artisanlocal2881]

Every time I've heard are you OK make me wonder. And an anxious brain normally say to you NO You are not OK which makes it worse and then more are you OK. And then it's do you need a doc. Drink water. Sit down. Any type of constructiction makes it worse. That's usually why I'm freaking out inside

[@thefadedshadow3153]

I recently had a panic attack, that's why I looked up this video. And my friend DID THAT! She kept saying, are you ok, and what's wrong, and what's making you feel this way and I kept saying I DONT KNOW!

[@gatorgirlgab]

jay hamilton I feel like that one is like... kind of okay because the person asking probably has never had one and is just trying to help and doesn't know what to say

[@analozada9475]

A paramedic told me "stop breathing so fast, n stop spitting on me n calm down!" I couldn't believe he was telling me that, he made me feel worst. What an ahole!..

[@HaylieGrace]

I had a similar experience; a paramedic told me to 'just breathe properly'. I've had teachers tell me that too.

[@cowpoke02]

***** they can't understand or have no experience with it . I used to bug my mother when I was a little kid . didn't know the brutality of it .

[@jacquelinegrenier9954]

I had a paramedic tell me too slow my roll... I couldn't believe it! made it so much worst.

[@constantineisabottom5779]

my paramedics kept saying, "it's okay just let him pass out and he'll be okay"

[@TheZabinep]

''What are you afraid of?? There is LITERALLY NOTHING to be afraid of!'' DUH! I know but excuse me for feeling freaking terrefied and freaked! The honest best answer i gave was 'I don't know' but they just repeat the god damn question again and again ._. No, Just no.

[@nicoledill5301]

The worst thing anyone has said to me while I was having a panic attack was "um...I guess I'll just leave you alone then"

[@JennaBaxterStudio]

"you're doing this... you are choosing to over-react. You can completely control whats going on in your head and you are choosing not to." That made me feel like crap about myself, thanks. Said person who drove me to the ER because I didn't know what was wrong with me.

[@bryanavilleda335]

I hate it when people tell me "your not gonna die your perfectly fine" I know you think that's the case in your head but in my head I'm saying "I'm gonna die I'm gonna die"

[@crazyisshe2253]

i hate when my husband says to me "u worry too much for nothing its all in ur head just calm down and relax". it makes it 100x worse smh

[@clashfluffy3238]

Your husband never felt what it feels like... Obviously ... My parents say that shit too

[@pixiestix2565]

ikr. it makes it way, way worse. "your being dramatic" is the worst for me. I would love to JUST be being dramatic. and I have to show this video to some people that I know who says this stuff.

[@nicolecheer6490]

"I'm going to put some music on" No thank you, I'm already overwhelmed enough as it is

[@sucktitles]

I hate that one so much. A panic attack just registers that as nothing other than another pile of stimuli on top of it.

[@JackVoices]

"you are choosing to over-react" ...

[@jenniferferguson8145]

I hear "you are just trying to get attention" when in reality I find them really embarrassing and wish everyone except one or two of the people I'm closest with at the time would just leave the room or ignore what was going on because the more people that make a big deal, the more I get embarrassed which makes the anxiety worse

[@brookehaybel9693]

Be Kind🌸🖤 I hear this and so much more... I don't even know if this person knows what a panic attack is bcs we grew up in different times and the news never says *jack* about it! Makes me mad or this person turns it down to say 'that person is asking for attention' no that person needs to be else where as in away from the situation at hand.

[@armatageshanks06]

For me the worst thing that can be said to me is "are you ok?"

[@patrickknowling1796]

I agree. They have no idea how bad a panic attack can be.

[@obomonus]

Patrick knowling For me the worst is if someone touches me. It feels like sandpaper across my skin.

[@jameso6106]

obomonus Everyone has their own thing that they can't take. It helps me when I get touched. Hugs calm me down. To each their own.

[@micaiahborchers8914]

James O'Leary Same, I like it when I'm hugged. It makes me feel a lot safer when Kayleigh's holding me.

[@mvalenag]

This made me laugh in disappointment, and how much I can relate

[@rashiedstorey9271]

Yes I could relate to this so much. The worst thing someone has said to me while I was having a really bad panic attack was "are you done"

[@rashiedstorey9271]

P.s I love your videos

[@Mothlett]

My mum would say, just breath and 'try' you're not even 'trying!' Don't be so stupid, etc. It hurts really :/ I wouldn't wish them on anyone.

[@littlefirefighter1224]

I have a friend. Her name is Anna! She is allergic to a lot of things. She gets panic attacks from reactions and from being in an unknown environment. We are both thirteen and stupid. So since we are thirteen i do something we both like share in common. We like Big Bang Theory. To calm her down I run my fingers through her hair and sing Soft Kitty to her. It helps her alot

[@faithylovesyouxoxo]

That is cute

[@Ellililybear]

That is so adorable

[@reemCGR]

you're a good friend =)

[@micaiahborchers8914]

Wow, my goodness, that's adorable. I deal with panic attacks and I'd love it if someone would actually place a hand on my head... I don't know why; but when one of my youth leaders did that it felt so much better.

[@MrHandgems]

I hated it when people would say, "It's all in your head." in other words, I was creating this nightmare horror from nothing. bringing an illusion to life. and all I had to do was not do that and everything would be fine. Fortunately, Paxil cured me (with an occassional low dose of xanax which 10 years later has never gotten higher than a 1mg dose and I currently take 0.25mg occassionally to sleep.)

[@alolune]

"Oh, again?" Makes me really angry. During the first few months they started happening my parents would say this because they thought I was just over reacting to get out of going to school. It took me going to the ER and the nurses explaining to them that it was an actual psychological/physical issue and people go in all the time for it. Thankfully, I haven't had panic attacks to that severity in years.

[@phillipaalice9032]

I used to have incredibly frequent and random anxiety attacks. During a panic attack, I do not want to be spoken to at all because it feels as though inside your mind and body, it is World war 3 and everyone else is so chilled out. The most annoying thing that someone has ever said to me is 'Why are you panicking? What is there that is making you nervous? Why are you feeling like this?' It makes my blood boil because they are too closed minded to see that it is uncontrollable and extremely random and difficult. They can see that there is nothing to fear and they can see you are obviously struggling yet they still have to be insensitive just because they don't understand it. They insist there must be a reason. Also, i used to subconsciously pinch myself because it would be a really helpful thing to do, like when you want to wake up from a dream. Once or twice i would unknowingly pinch too hard out of panic and i used to have a small bruise afterwards. When I explained this to the same friend who asked the above questions they looked straight at me and said 'Just don't do it'. You cannot control these reactions sometimes and even though you know its wrong, you are not thinking correctly in a panic state, you feel like you are about to be brutally murdered and you can't escape. So yeah, don't ask anyone who suffers from this those questions. To be fair I don't think a lot of people even want to talk, just let them come out of their panic on their own. They have had it before and know how to deal with it, it took me a year but I gained control after practice. If you must talk to them afterwards then wait til the panic has passed and see if they are okay to answer your annoying questions.

[@zoywill9003]

"It's all in your head, can't you just be normal like other people?" My parents don't get what Im being through and they don't even try to do it, so as a result I'm missing the most needed support. Whenever I talk to them, they just say stop worrying and it will be fine. Yeah, like after long period of time suffering from panic attacks I could deal with them in 5 minutes with no big effort.

[@elizabethquinones3227]

I'do sorry u r going through this is horrible and a lot of people dont understant how hard it is. Tell ur parent to get educated on the subject. show them some of the videos shown here maybe that will get them to start understanding how u feel. good luck. there r a lot of us out there!!

[@kobrakid1249]

My mom doesn't under stand either and she will just sigh and shake her head, then leve me alone. Then I ideally scratch my self

[@HaylieGrace]

My dad unfortunately doesn't understand about my anxiety very much and often says some things that upset me too. I spoke to my psychologist about it and she said it's important to remember that some people have never experienced it before, or have only experienced anxiety in the 'normal' human sense; where it comes and goes. It may not help (because I know, when they say that it can often hurt) but just keep it in mind for the next time :) that's what im trying to do too

[@marinafittipaldi2512]

try to talk to another family member, maybe that will work. I've had about 4 panic attacks and I haven't told my parents so idk how to talk to them.... but yeah good luck!

[@sarawyrick4170]

It hurts when your parents don't believe you so I understand.

[@emmatheresa6948]

For me specifically, I am emetophobic and at least twice people have put bags next to me when I am having a panic attack, which of course makes my anxiety increase massively because I immediately think the bag is because I will be ill, never put a bowl or plastic bags next to me As for calming down, I find if I reassure myself in my head telling myself "your fine" "your safe" "its just the anxiety that's making you feel that way" over and over again until it gets into my brain I start to calm myself without outside assistance, very important when home alone

[@brijon9545]

That's me all the way. I'm actually in that situation now .

[@CMchyy]

emma Theresa pray. I'm exactly the same.

[@emmalaughland1215]

I'm also emetophobic and putting a bag next to me makes things so much worse. for anyone trying to console someone who is nauseous when having a panic attack, maybe get them some place where if they do vomit, it will be easy to clean up.

[@mvalenag]

emma Theresa I’ve never seen anyone online or even in person that is also emetephobic, I feel like I’m the only one sometimes

[@abbymcdabby5311]

"Just get over it" boi if you don't

[@villatoro348]

"Just calm down and breathe" like no shit really if I could calm down don't you think I would. And Ste you not able to hear my shortness of breath I'm trying to BREATHE reminding me wont help Much

[@HolyOrderofTheMoths]

I'd have to say that the most unhelpful thing ever said to me was "You're fine, there's nothing to panic about!" Yes, I know that.. but tell that to my mind and my body!

[@wholiddleolme476]

For me the worst thing is when a person tries to patronize (calm down) me when they may be the one who's said or done something to bring it on, it then quickly turns to aggressive behavior.

[@nachtrauch]

Get rid of the adrenaline is maybe the best emergency thing, you can do. I start doing pushups and situps. First, adrenaline is used up very quick by muscles. Second, it shows me, that my body still works and that i can control it and that i am capable of doing things. By the way, control is the keyword here. As soon as i lose control over something, i start to panic.

[@zwerty007]

I very much appreciate that you give helpful alternatives to the examples of unhelpful things.

[@siszam]

I went to a psychiatrist about my fear of overpasses bridges and driving in some situations. He told me to "Just do it". How can someone with a medical degree in psychiatry think that is a proper treatment method?! Thanks for making this video. Apparently a lot of people, even in the medical field, need to watch it.

[@jenniferbecker2665]

When too many people try to help me at once.. I generally like one specific person to help if need be, not a group.. The group of people make me panic more..

[@mollyb858]

I hate when people who've never had a panic attack in their lives all of a sudden think they're experts and try to tell you what to do. Like "count to ten" "hold your breath" "take deep breaths" if I don't want to do these things, then don't force me, let me do my own thing and stop trying to play doctor!

[@AaronNickolas7]

Great video! I like to watch this when I'm having a panic attack because I kinda find it funny. Not to be insulting at all, those tips have been quite helpful for my friends when they need to help me. The thing I find he most helpful for me is being able to laugh at something, anything. Or quoting lines from Harry Potter and Once Upon a Time. I found that disappearing into a fantasy world helps calm and relax me so when I go back into the real world, I'm not as worked up. I don't know why, but it works for me :)

[@mrtogo321]

I used to suffer from panic attacks, and thankfully i'm panic attack free for over a year. The worst thing that anyone has ever said to me was: one time i was having a panic attack, like full on, i was crying hysterically and i couldn't catch my breath to the point i felt light headed and dizzy and my mum got annoyed at me and turned around and said 'for Gods sake, what now!?' and that just made it worse, i felt so alone! considering both my parents and my brother were in the house at the time, they didn't do anything to help me. So what i'm trying to say is that when someone is having a panic attack, they need to know that there not alone and that someone is there that really cares.

[@CMchyy]

Gee Hunter thank GOD they stopped.

[@rachelcumbee8319]

Least helpful: "Be quiet you're fine, it's all in your head" Most helpful: "You're safe, do you need to go for a walk or have a glass of water?"

[@BobbieDeming]

Brings tears to my eyes when I hear others relate to me..... I feel like I'm at *MY* rock bottom being a mom and not being the *parent* I COULD and SHOULD be.

[@BobbieDeming]

***** Thank you love♡ I really do appreciate all your kind words..... I always see them when I could use them, lol You're a great person♡ XOXO

[@lex_lexy17]

"If you are homeless....just buy a house💁‍♀️"

[@kristenellie]

I often need to be in a calm space with only persons I trust, a warm blanket, my stuffed animals & no preassure or anything like that... & I need to be safed from myself so I dont harm myself... But it needs to be done in a way that is safe & respectful...

[@derpallday]

My parents: "You're acting like a two year old, grow up." "Are you on drugs?" "You're being ridiculous." "I can't believe you. You're never going to get anywhere [in life] if you're like this." "What the hell is wrong with you? This is pathetic!" "There are so many people who have it worse off than you." Is there a class my parents can take where they learn how to deal with this, because they make it twenty times worse every time.

[@alicekathleen13]

When I have a panic attack, I watch your videos. They make me feel so much better! Thank you!

[@sarahbetts5606]

Ok these weren't said to me during a panic attack but my panic disorder in general. "At least you don't have a REAL problem" and "yeah but it mental so you can control it" Yep I have deliberately been putting myself through this.

[@missyann758]

‘Can I hug you?’ Or they just try to hug me. I already feel like my skin is suffocating me, I don’t wanna be touched during a panic attack.

[@tanysfoster2819]

Unhelpful: "Why are you mad at me?" Pretty much any 'why' or 'how' question with an open-ended response, or questions about my emotional state will aggravate my condition. Yes/No questions are sometimes easier to handle but I often encounter more problems when someone asks me a really narrow/incorrect question.

[@jeffrojohnson9149]

Airplane- Calm Down, Get ahold of yourself!

[@cowpoke02]

haha people tell me crap like that I go off the rails on them . I feel better instantly cause the dumb bastards needed it . lol. yell scream stops attacks instantly . not good in public or planes haha. half yell if you see it coming on start arguing with some one before it gets to bad . lol.why people you think are crabby and cranky . in the old days nobody cared you could let it rip. todays world you hold it in so the mentall ward don't come and get you .lol. that causes stress disorders . be done with it in a second to half hour or you can be quiet and steam for a day or a week or month . that will give you heart problems and hyper tension . maybe diabetes .always good to speak your mind and get the stress ball away from you and off your back . lol.

[@koira163]

"Just go in there. It's going to go away". I was having panic attack in my moms car when she was taking me to school.... No, mom... i'm not going to go to school in middle of my panicattack...

[@MsGenius000]

I find it the most unhelpful wen people say "it's just all in your head". Yeah right, if you find a tumour in your brain and if someone says "dude, relax, it's just in your brain", what would you say? YES I KNOW, IT'S IN MY HEAD, HOW DO I GET RID OF IT?

[@zadtrax]

I have had a couple of panic attacks, but suffer more from anxiety and anxiety attacks regularly this past year. The worst thing I have been told while having an attack were "Calm down" and "You're over-reacting". Both were told to me by my mom. She doesn't understand or can't relate. Thanks for the great helpful suggestions.

[@alienc]

Funnily enough one time I was having a panic attack near my grand father and he didn't even panic he just looked at me then farted then I laughed then I realised my panic attack was gone. Results may vary for other people but I find just making sure the other person gets some breathing space works best for me. Just don't flood then with other actions or ideas because when you are having a panic attack all common sense sometimes can go right out the window.

[@hales931]

My best friend suffers from panic attacks and I have found the best thing to help is to let her know I'm here for her and offer help and When she can she tells me what she needs and I help how ever I can. She calls me often when they occur because her family doesn't understand and tend to say and do the wrong thing. To the point where she gets embarrassed about it and doesn't want anyone to know. She even hide it from me in the beginning of our friendship by disappearing when the attacks came on. But I'm glad I know now I just want to help and be a good friend.

[@One_nJen]

This literally happened to me 2 weeks ago: I've had several "running for your life for literally no reason" panic attacks throughout my life, so my family is quite aware of this issue ~ its been great fun developing agoraphobia over the last year on top of it. I no longer drive, and even going to the doctor to get my anxiety meds filled can be so terrifying, I will put off going for weeks.. I was finally forcing myself to leave the house, but spoiler alert ⚠️ no ride. I was trying to communicate my (his words, not mine) "irrational fears" when he said "you need to *put your big girl panties on* and deal with it"???? I'm 46 years old. My dad isn't some abusuve old codger who lives under a rock and tells stories about walking uphill in the snow in his bare feet to get to school "both ways* ^( i guess he is now?).. he's well aware of how mental disorders work.. I can't even with this.. big girl panties?

[@HippyWitchGal]

This is an amazing video and I plan to share. People who do not suffer from panic disorder absolutely do not understand how it feels . . . but they need to. My favorite response is "it's all in your head." :(

[@phillipskrewdriver]

"I know it's a bad thing, but I don't care what you're going through, I can't handle this".

[@emilysings9029]

Yeah! Like, YOU can't handle this? I'm the one having a panic attack!!!

[@LilTiff89]

Great informative video! I myself had gone through a phase of depression/anxiety where nothing in particular would set me off. I had a hard time describing how it made me feel when I was panicking. In my mind I reminded myself one day it would get better or easier to manage, but in the moment it seemed like it would take forever to feel like my 'old self' again. Thanks again- and especially it helps coming from another person who personally knows what panic attacks are like.

[@melissacurran9901]

"breathe, try to control your breathing" "calm down, just come over here" "sit down"

[@mynameisweird6897]

That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard that's like saying to someone " bleed to control the bleeding "

[@melissacurran9901]

+The Flower Gal that's the point, that's some things I have been told

[@maucelienta]

"I'm tired of trying to solve all of your problems" or "I'm tired of hearing you crying, you've got to stop it," were two toppers for me. Pretty much on the anxious person's end, creates much more tension and most likely trust issues with the calmee.

[@stephaniep6984]

My favorite one is when they tell you,"Just breathe.." WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK I'M TRYING TO DO?!?! My Mom always says,"Why? what happened?" Nothing Mom. "Then why are you having a panic attack?" Ahhhhh....so frustrating! :(

[@gatorgirlgab]

I love that this included things that you SHOULD say

[@meriland19]

Worst thing someone has said to me? Hmm.. when I was 22 and living with my ex-fiance, I had a random panic attack which consisted of intense vertigo. I kept pacing the kitchen cause I couldn't sit down or else I would just get more dizzy. My ex just sat on the couch laughing hysterically at me.. saying I looked ridiculous, was embarrassing him, and to grow up..

[@CMchyy]

Sarah Blackwell I'm so sorry. pray for the mean spirited

[@vitko06]

Sarah Blackwell SERIOUSLY, I don't have panic attacks, Infact I am FAR from panic attacks, but if I was having one and I saw that, I would hide, wait until I'm calm(idk how easybit is it might take time) come down is slap him

[@kipdaedricartifact]

Sarah Blackwell Hopefully they didn't know you have panic attacks or if they did hopefully they didn't understand what they can be like or how bad they can get. If they did understand then, that would be incredibly cruel.

[@00jadeewadee00]

In most scenarios, the best thing for me is something to just hug me really tight until it's gone while reminding me that it will go away in time. I'm not saying this works for everyone but it works for me

[@xEmmanuelCoreanoX]

Someone told me STFU YOU'RE FAKING!!! they also added I have real panic attacks and they are nothing like this. It was a night filled with drama and all of a sudden I started having fast heart beat and my hand and feet were numb and I thought I was going into cardiac arrest and then that made it worst so I started screaming at the top of my lungs! and I was crying and I could barely breathe it was scary and I hope it doesn't happen again, people were also laughing at me.

[@CMchyy]

xEmmanuelCoreanoX just pray for them. I'd never do that to you, that bullying

[@chimmyproductions8926]

I wish they would understand what we are going through :(

[@LazarusFTW]

Great job on your video. I feel there is minimal knowledge of exactly what is going on during a panic attack. I would like to add: Panic Sufferer: "I'm having a panic attack." Other Person: "Is it because of me," or "What I do to make you have a panic attack? " It's hard enough trying to deal with the distress, and asking for validation that it's not there fault could compound the anxiety.

[@JanuaryLovesSelena]

One time I was having a panic attack in the middle of choir class and my (used to be) friend looks over at me and says, "Just chill." By the way, this person also suffered from anxiety, but tells ME to chill. Because fuck logic apparently

[@SterkOfficialPage]

This video is definitly Good!! I myself have panic attacks constantly and i hate when people use those frases "just try to calm down" ,it gets me more anxious!!! People without anxiety wont understand this video.

[@bigvinamac]

Pray about it. My mom tells me that all the time and while she means well, it's annoying as hell.

[@SSJKenpachiZaraki]

that literally pisses me off. like you can even think about praying o-o

[@dezysheehan]

Thank you so much for this video. Well done. I will pass along to family and friends as a reminder. The response from people is most often well meaning but tends to do the opposite. It's a difficult situation at best. ( I'm recovering from one now as I write this)

[@Sunshinetards]

Me mum, or my step dad always say to me "just stop..stop over reacting for attention, it's annoying." or "no one wants to hear this." -.- right...it kinda hurts my feelings though at the same time.

[@Brodeany]

I have a friend who had a panic attack today and I wasn't sure what to do exactly. So I found this very helpful on what to say, thankfully I experience some anxiety so can understand but never panic attacks. Thanks alot!

[@Vangerline]

Girl get over yourself (with laughter)

[@chimmyproductions8926]

ugh i hate when the people around laugh. As if it was even a joke to begin with

[@ChibiWagner]

I first started having panic attacks when I was about 9 or 10 and I remember once I started panicking in class and I asked to step outside and breath for a few seconds and all the kids in my class chuckled as I got up and stared at me when I walked back in. I finally started getting help with my anxiety a year later, and everyone thought it was weird that I was in therapy, and judged me almost every day. Now, I have good friends that can help me through it :)

[@nalamix]

the worst thing someone has said is that it's not that big of a deal and that I need to stop

[@gretahendrick2509]

yup, my sis told me to "control yourself" earlier and wouldn't let me out of the booth. This is very informative, thank you.

[@IAm-rf5wm]

I had a panic attack and my teacher said sit down and I'my head I was like bitch I got to get out of here!

[@caitlinmcauliffe1990]

i don't suffer from panic attacks but my friend often does during school. she has told me that (not in a rude way) she finds it annoying if people even say "it's okay" and "just breathe" because obviously if she believed it was gonna be okay she wouldnt be having a panic attack, and she would love to be able to "just breathe" but it's really not that easy!! it seems to work better if you say something like "its going to be okay" and "try to take deep breaths" because by saying "try" its clear to them that youre not being patronising but you understand that its hard to breathe. Tell them to breathe with you and do some counting. also by using future tense it just shows that theyre going to be okay and they can get through it!! this may be wrong as i've never had an attack myself but these are things that have helped when helping my friend!

[@CMchyy]

Caitlin Mcauliffe but those are positive affirmations. the friend is saying that so the person will REALIZE that they. ARE. O. KAY. not because they think the person panicking thinks it already. it's so selfish to get irritated with someone trying so hard to help.

[@rdfminis]

I have had people tell me all kinds of unhelpful things. Everything from "What are you freaking out for" to "I don't have time to deal with you right now. So just go to sleep". Umm, yeah. I feel like I am dying at the moment and you want me to just go to sleep. Sure, ok. Oh and don't forget the whole "But you look fine" response to when you tell someone you have having an attack. But the most hurtful was when my husband screamed at me to shut up and stop it. I was having a major panic attack with full blown symptoms and he tells me to shut up and stop it. That attack was bad enough I couldn't function for 2 days afterwards. Sometimes it would be nice just to have some one ask the things suggested in the video. Or even just to give me a hug when I am having one.

[@sjacobs3190]

I've heard all kinds of lines too.. And my last ex too yelled "shut the f&?@ up!" when I was in full blown panic already curled up in a ball...

[@rdfminis]

It sucks. Why do people have to be such jack asses? I understand that if a person has never experienced something, it can be hard to understand. But it is like the majority just think nothing of what they say. Then the ones who should be there for you, just yell at you. It all boggles my mind.

[@44slack]

Thank you for a great video! Great help to me. Worse thing said to me: "get hold of your self". Worse attitude is one of abandonment, talking disparagingly behind my back. Best thing: "I/we understand" .attitude: maintain the friendship and treating me as an intelligent human being.

[@onlyfallen434]

Why are you doing that?! People are staring!! - yup. Panic attack in a restaurant.

[@boobama9166]

I recently had my first panic attack and I'm so glad my mom was there because she suffers from panic attacks too so she knew how to help me feel a lot better.

[@Tambak92]

I've been told that I had nothing to panick about and I was just trying to attract attention, when I would have actually prefered having my panic attack in a small hole somewhere under the basement because I was already so ashamed and confused :(

[@lidocaine8921]

That's painful, sorry to hear that :(

[@illusory7862]

I get told that all the time. In reality I want the opposite. I have panic and anxiety attacks because of social anxiety. But having those attacks just cause more people to look at me.

[@vivvpprof]

Exactly, that's the first thought that came to me after watching this vid! You cease to think at all until it's gone or you lose consciousness.

[@thaloblue]

Should you hug or otherwise touch a person experiencing a panic attack or would that make things worse?

[@AaronNickolas7]

For me I'm extremely agoraphobic (fear of open spaces). When I'm having a panic attack I need to feel as closed in as I can get, so hugging me a definite must! BUT for those with claustrophobia (fear of closed spaces) hugging may make things worse. It's best to ask the person what will help them most. Don't just grab them because even if they ask you to hug them, they may be combative at first. So it's always just a good rule of thumb to ask. Does that help?

[@SSJKenpachiZaraki]

Amanda Hoagland that's true. being held for comfort is definitely comforting for me but for some others they might freak out

[@AaronNickolas7]

I mean even for me sometimes my PAs make me feel very smothered already. So sometimes hugging just makes things worse. I experienced an attack during girl's camp last year and hugging was not something I wanted, so my friend sat by me during camp fire and just rubbed my back. It gave me the reassurance that I wasn't alone, but also didn't overwhelm me. Physical touch IS a relaxant, but it always depends on the person for how they would like to be touched. Holding their hand, rubbing their back, putting a hand on their leg, hugging them, all fantastic relaxants, just not everyone likes everything.

[@darlaboyle1074]

My husband will rub my back gently until it passes. Some times though, I don't want touched so he'll simply hold my hand. I've heard about tight hugging for another illness but forget what it's called. I'll have to try that next time. Cause I know there will be a next time.

[@AgentSmoke24]

For some people being touched is actually a trigger for anxiety/panic. Definitely ask what they would like best/what they need.

[@alysiasanchez969]

People have said in front of me "She's having a seizure," and have told me that "It's all in my head". Thanks guys, just what I needed to hear to help me cope with my anxiety attacks.

[@bricansa]

Does anyone else experience sharp chest pain or pain in between the shoulder blades during an attack? This is my WORST side effect, it's like I get so tense that I can't breathe, the chest hurts, heart hurts, back hurts.

[@onlyfallen434]

yeah, i get that too. I also get BAD migraines:(

[@katemillett2001]

Same I get them alot they last a half hour

[@HaylieGrace]

I get the sharp chest pain and my chest becomes quite tense.

[@kevinscucchi8995]

I get knots in my throat and chest to the point where I can't breathe

[@cowpoke02]

I have asthma . feels like I might swell up and stop breathing . arms numb . lol. breaks my speech down . then you get better . I panic all day long most the time hahah . dam mental health killed my nervous system on purpose .

[@christina101309]

I had a panic attack at school and the teachers and students we're standing around watching while one student call an ambulance even though I said not too, the principal standing watching just said "well I hope she knows we're not paying for that ambulance" and walked back to her office. Thanks Mrs. Joyce that helped out a lot!

[@delanysuarez165]

Well im 13 and I get panic attacks. I always get picked on and made fun of and some guys would leave sticky notes behind my back and it would say "panic attack bitch" and they would throw rocks at me and once they even threw a huge cricket in my hair I hate panic attacks but I gotta live with em /-\ =(

[@aiedigitalvisuals3486]

Delany Suarez im 13 too and those people Are jerks tell your parents.

[@heyguysimjodie7367]

Don’t forget the “I can’t wave a magic wand and make everything better...”

[@bellabear0311]

"Just breathe" what do you think im doing!

[@jocee108]

The absolutely worse thing I have heard from someone when I was having a panic attack was "Are you crazy", "you look crazy", questioning the person having the attack with "whys" and "what happened to cause it" and definitely the ones that were mentioned in this video. I have chronic anxiety which can flare up for months at a time daily. In my experience when I am having a panic attack I get both mental and physical symptoms like racing thoughts, rapid heart beat, shaking, light headedness, feeling on edge and like I'm going to snap, numb hands, hyperventilation, and yes feeling as if I am going crazy ! lol so saying I'm crazy is one that always hits me the worst and more than likely causes my attack to worsen. I think that because having panic attacks IMO are extremely embarrassing and frustrating because you obviously don\t want to have this issue and not being able to just shut it off and feeling like your burdening people around you so the best comment anyone can say is "how can I help" and "Im here for you".

[@jaydedjen110]

Play on the safe side: If you see someone having a panic attack, SHUT THE FUCK UP if you aren't trained to deal with them.

[@thedogpawsquad]

This is my third day and I'm shaking but i try to act normal around people. I get will dizzy and lightheaded and feel like puking but I don't sweat and tingling a little and weak is that normal? It is my second time it not sure it is a panic attack. Hear racing forgot to stay. Also looking at food it makes me sick and my belly is in nots. Do i have anxiety disorder and panic attacks? Plz replay

[@jen-mason]

most of mine iv had in front of my mum some in the middle of school, hyperventilating and all the bells and whistles but all mum did was roll her eyes and with a look of disgust on her face, my first one was at 14 and having that happen not knowing what was going on made the whole thing worse...i eventually managed to somewhat manage my attacks although very hard to do, but i had to do it by my self. i think mum thought i was over reacting which she is entitled to but she could of helped, that hurt each time seeing her do that when i needed her the most. the worst was "oh just get over it" - my mum

[@chimmyproductions8926]

aye ;( i feel you

[@todd2087]

I shared this with my family and friends thank you for this video it was so helpful they all have said those things to me during my panic attacks

[@atomicbuttler]

"What the hell are you doing drama queen!" From this rude girl in my biology class

[@ninadarisse6570]

I had my first really bad panic attack the other day and it was awful, thought I was having a heart attack. Then I had another one last night. Nothing seemed to trigger it, it just happened? I am trying to gain as much knowledge and ways to cope as I can so maybe I can help other people who have to suffer through attacks. For me my doctor said that I had low potassium and possibly dehydrated. I know when I'm anxious I don't feel much like eating so I have been trying to drink smoothies: My Recipe - 1 handful fresh/frozen/canned fruit, 1 banana, 3/4 cup milk, & 1 packet of carnation breakfast. In a blender (simple as that). Also going to try to drink at least 1 1/2 quarts of water a day. Hopefully this helps me. All I can say is good luck to you all and thank you for posting this video, you hit the nail on the head :)