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:

1. Introduce yourself.

2. 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.

3. Speak in a reassuring but firm manner. Don’t make assumptions and don’t belittle their experience.

4. Acknowledge their terror but reassure them that panic attacks are not life threatening & the symptoms will pass.

5. Ask directly what they need. Ask if they would like to remove themselves from the protest.

6. 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.