Panic attacks

[oderint_dum_metuant]

I need some help from people who understand panic attacks. this weekend my friend ( who was my best friend in first grade) is coming over and she has panic attacks and i dont know very much about them other than what is on the internet.

I woud like to know what i can do to help her visit to be pleasant for her. I want her not to feel stressed out and it is the first time i've seen her since third grade and seeing her again even makes me anxious. I planned for her to visit me at my house and we would order pizza and just hang out. She has already informed me that she can't stay over night because of her panic attacks and i told her that was fine she could stay for for as long as she feels comfortabe to.

is there any tips to anxiety-proof her stay?
should i not play loud music?
should i put the dog in a back bedroom? (he is a major yapper)
should i lower the volume of the ringer on the phone and keep loud noises to a minium?

i want her to feel comfortable but i would also like to be able to talk to her(if she wants to) about it. Is there anthing i shouldnt say, like people have all these weird ideas about SI and i just didn't want to be like that.

any help is grealy appreciated

allison

[sherlock holmes]

Hm. Anxiety is different for everyone and she may have different triggers than me.

But if I were to go round someone's house, I'd feel more relaxed if the dog wasn't barking and being all hyper.

Ask her what music she wants to listen to and what volume, that might help.

Just talk about anything, if she wants to talk about the anxiety she will. Just be a good listener :)

And I guess dont keep asking if she's anxious because then she'll start to think about it more.

[oderint_dum_metuant]

ok ill do that thanks for the advice

[surprising mystery]

Personally, if I were to go around someones house I would feel anxious with a yappy dog because it sounds like they are being aggressive, even when they're not. Music is fine, but I personally like to choose what, and how loud, so maybe ask her if she wants music on.

Have a few films out ready, just relaxed funny ones and avoid giving her caffinated drinks unless she asks. (Caffiene razzes up anxiety). Try to make general conversation and just be as relaxed as you can with her.

I know how awkward a situation like this can be with someone you havent seen for agers (thinking about it, Im seeing someone I havent spent more than 5 mins with for over a year on sat night) but the best advice is try to be calm yourself.

Temperature is something that triggers my anxiety, so if its hot, ask if she wants the windows open cos stuffyness can make some people feel claustrophobic.

Good luck, and Im sure it will go fine, you sound like a very understanding person for her to be around, so Im sure she will feel comfortable with you :)

xoxo

[tesserhex]

Panic attacks are too diverse a subject to summarise easily. That's not too say that there aren't things you can do to help. An understanding of the trigger would help... for me a yapping dog presented no problems whatsoever, in fact it was something that once I could come to terms with provided a good deal of bliss! Music had to be right, though. Communication with whoever I was with was good, then again if it got too cloying... there's no right or wrong way, ultimately whatever you do will be great.

[Katiee]

Just keep everything nice and calm. But ask her what are her triggers and stuff so you know. xo.