It’s natural to experience anxiety in large protesting crowds or panic when confronted by heavy handed police tactics. If those feelings are accompanied with the following symptoms, a protester may be experiencing a panic attack:
Palpitations, pounding heart, or rapid heart rate;
Sweating;
Trembling and shaking;
Shortness of breath, sensations of choking or smothering;
Chest pain or discomfort;
Abdominal distress or nausea;
Dizziness, light-headedness, feeling faint or unsteady;
Feelings of unreality or being detached;
Fears of losing control or going crazy;
Fear of dying;
Numbness or tingling;
Chills or hot flushes.
If you suspect someone is having a Panic Attack:
Introduce yourself.
Ask the protester if they have ever had a panic attack before. If they reply “yes” and they believe they are having one now, ask them if they need help.
Speak in a reassuring but firm manner. Don’t make assumptions and don’t belittle their experience.
Acknowledge their terror but reassure them that panic attacks are not life threatening & the symptoms will pass.
Ask directly what they need. Ask if they would like to remove themselves from the protest.
- After the panic attack has subsided ask if the person knows how to access health-care services for help.
Be aware: The symptoms of a panic sometimes resemble an asthma attack or even heart attack. If the person has not had a panic attack before – and doesn’t think they are having one now – call an ambulance.