Anxiety & Panic - How to Help a Sufferer of Anxiety & Panic Disorder

I have written this article for the family and friends of Anxiety and Panic sufferers, not for the anxiety sufferer as I know some sufferers will not seek help for themselves and other sufferers are convinced that what they are experiencing is Anxiety and Panic Attacks.

As I can imagine it is painful to watch someone you love and care for deeply go through what may appear as quite self destructing. Of course it affects you and takes its toll on you especially if you are living with a sufferer.

I saw what it was doing to my husband (who nearly lost his job due to me constantly calling him telling him I needed to go to the hospital or I needed him to be with me). I saw my familys heart just sink as they watched me lose my job due to my anxiety and panic disorder.

I wouldnt go visit them (they lived out of town and I was too frightened to travel). I couldnt look them in the eye because I always felt I was gasping for air and I knew very well I wasnt a pretty sight for the eyes. And of course I really did hate hearing youre over re-acting.

If you are reading this then you are clearly looking for some answers for your loved one and I truly commend you for caring so deeply for their well-being. What you are doing will not be forgotten and one day they will be strong enough to thank you for your support. I also believe in karma, what goes around comes around; no good deed goes without reward.

Here is how you can play a part in helping your loved one to become well.

1. Never tell the sufferer theyre over re-acting. I can assure you what they are feeling is pretty dam frightening and the sensations are real. By informing the sufferer they are over re-acting will only agitate and upset them and may even make the panic attack worse.

2. When the sufferer is having a panic attack get a wet washer and place it on their forehead and around their face.

3. Stay reassuring and let them know they will be ok

4. If the sufferer constantly asks for trips to the hospital and visits to the doctor, get them to write out everything they think they are suffering from. Every ache every pain. Be persistent in the fact they must not miss writing down one thing. Hold onto that piece of paper and schedule a doctors appointment for them. Accompany them at the visit and be firm with the doctor that you would like this investigated further. Sometimes there can be an underlying illness that has triggered the anxiety and panic disorder.

5. Guide them to information that can help them with Anxiety and Panic Attacks (The more they are educated on Anxiety and Panic Attacks the less frightening the attacks often become, especially information that is written by former sufferers, it assures the sufferer they are not alone and they really can overcome it)

6. If they ask something of you that is unrealistic or interferes with something you already had planned, be firm and say no. You need your time too.

7. Dont become their crutch. If you run to every beck and call they will not learn to help themselves. And as scary and frightening as it might be, the only way they will become well again will be through helping themselves.

Ensure that while caring for an anxiety and panic sufferer that you also take time for yourself. Your health and well-being is important too!

Joanne King - http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

Free sign up of our newsletter! Discover more methods on treating Anxiety Symptoms You can sign up here and begin eliminating your Anxiety Disorder - Click Here --> http://www.anxiety-panic-free.com

Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Everyone will experience anxiety sooner or later, it is the normal response to perceived threats. For some, however, the anxi...

Dealing With Anxiety and Panic Disorder
Anxiety and panic disorder is a terrible, frightening condition. It can really ruin peoples lives. Attacks can strike at any ...

Fight or Flight - Anxiety & Panic
What is the fight or flight response?Well thats what Im going to explain to you right here right now.I know some people (most...

Physical Causes of Anxiety
If you experience Anxiety & Panic Attacks it may very well be a secondary condition to another physical illness.Of course, th...

Breathing Difficulties? Anxiety & Panic Attacks
When I hit a bad time with my anxiety I get a very tight chest and my breathing all goes to pot. My breathing is then all I ...

Anxiety And Panic Attacks - Is There A Natural Remedie To Cure Anxiety And Panic Attacks?
Anxiety disorder and panic attacks can often times be one of the most detrimental personal states to be in, even past many co...

Anxiety Symptoms: Top 5 Most Common Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Social anxiety disorder is the fear of social interaction and other aspects of social life. It is also a fear of confrontatio...

Types Of Anxiety Disorders
In medicine, one of the keys to effectively treating diseases and disorders is having the right information on the condition....

Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety and panic attacks can be very frightening. People who suffer from this condition may feel their heart pounding in the...

Anxiety Panic Attack
What do you exactly mean by anxiety? Anxiety is nothing but your normal reaction while you are in stress, it can be while you...

Anxiety Attack Symptoms - How to Deal
Anxiety attack symptoms are more or less the same feelings we might r experience if we feel danger is about to happen. They a...

Diet - Anxiety & Panic
I think the old saying You are what you eat is so true, when your eating junk, you tend to feel rather lousy. I can vouch fo...

How To Recognize And Deal With Anxiety Panic Disorder
Did you know that there are over 3 million people in the US that will face anxiety panic disorder in their lifetime at any gi...

Anxiety Disorder Treatments - How To Choose
Anxiety disorder treatments offer the ability to stop worrying. Those that suffer from this condition often face day in and ...

Anxiety Attacks
Anxiety attacks are very scary. During an attack you feel like you are choking, you feel nauseas, you arms and legs start tin...

Forgiveness - Anxiety & Panic
You just might be surprised at the role forgiveness can play in Anxiety & Panic Disorder.Now I want to ask you some questions...

Understanding Panic and Anxiety Attack Symptoms
We live in a world that changes everyday. New technology is always being discovered and changing the way we live. With all th...

5 Steps To Controlling Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Anxiety and panic attacks are far more common than you might think. They may range from mild nervousness at the thought of g...

Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a condition in which the patient or sufferer experiences great trepidation from being around other...

Panic Attacks, Anxiety, Cured
This is my story of living with anxiety and panic attacks which went on for 8 years or more.r I was a full sufferer I could n...