Does Breathing into a Paper Bag Help With Panic Attacks

Does Breathing into a Paper Bag Help with Panic Attacks???

Over the years, I have been in many situations where I have had to help with Panic Attacks. Even though most Panic Attacks are harmless, they are very real to the person having them. The Panic Attack stories I could tell you, would raise the hair on the back of your neck.

Many of you have probably heard of some Panic Attack stories as well, if you haven’t actually seen some one personally.  But, do you know how to help with a Panic Attack?  Knowing how to help with Panic Attacks is actually just as important to that person having the panic attack, as helping someone with the Heimlich Maneuver or giving CPR.  It’s an urgent matter to them.

Even though Panic Attacks are usually not life threatening, there can always be the exception to the rule. So, I am going to give you some easy steps to help with Panic Attacks.

Be advised, that remaining calm is the key. After all it is a Panic Attack. You must be careful not to feed into their panic or fear. Panic and fear spread easily. Stay calm and get them to calm down and breath properly.

How To Help With Panic Attacks

Here are  7 steps to follow that help with panic attacks.

All You Will Need is 1 Paper Bag…

Step 1:
Find out the cause of the panic attack.
Establish if there is a cause for the fear and either try to remove it or consider taking the person away from the source of distress, to a quieter area.

Step 2:
Speak to them in a reassuring, yet in a firm manner.
Try and get them to remain still and to calm down.

Step 3:
Advise them to try and control their breathing.
Regaining control of their breathing, will help eliminate the symptoms of the panic attack and will help calm them down.

Step 4:

Try counting breaths.
Another way of helping with panic attacks is to ask the person to breathe in and out on your count. Begin by counting aloud, encouraging the person to breath in for 2 and then out for 2, gradually increase the count to 4 and then 6, if possible. Until their breathing has slowed down and become regulated again.

Step 5:
Get them to breath into a paper bag.
This should be done by alternating around 10 breaths into and out of the bag, followed by breathing without a bag for 15 seconds. Do not over do this step because of too much CO2.
Just make sure that the nose and mouth are covered.

Step 6:
Don’t leave them alone.
Make sure they are back to normal.

Step 7:
Seek medical help
If the symptoms do not subside within 15 minutes seek urgent medical advice.

Follow these 7 steps and you will be able help with Panic Attacks. And step number 5, confirms the fact that breathing into a paper bag will help with a Panic Attacks.

If you or someone you know is suffering from repeat panic attacks or dealing with hyperventilation, there are several at home type panic programs that are designed to give you the steps needed to stop attacks.

Additional information on how to stop panic attacks.
~The Baby Boomer Queen~

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