Helping my friend?!?

[Rascaldog24]

One of my best female friends has panic attacks and mental breakdowns and when I try to help (By hugging etc) She seems to get mad or ignores me and walks away. If you where having a mental breakdown what would make you feel better? And what can I do to help her?

[MechaSniper]

Ask her how you can help if possible. If you can't you got to let her vent.

[xandyx]

When I get panic attacks/flashbacks for me I just have to get it out and the last thing I want is a hug. I'd get mad maybe because it takes all your energy and concentration just to get through the feelings and I couldn't give much to the hugger. But it's not there fault. I just have to work it out and put my head down and get through it. But thats just me. I think a lot of people are different.

Maybe just sit there with them in case they need something. Just knowing someone is there for something could help a lot.

[ksdnfkfr]

I know you have an urge to hug or otherwise comfort, but in those situations certain people just want to be left lone, but at the same time probably finds comfort in you being there.

[Serenity.]

I think it would be a good idea to talk to her about it. You can ask her how you can help and what not to do. That way, you can be sure that nothing you do when she is having trouble will upset her. You might also want to let her know that you are always there if she needs someone to listen. You sound like a great friend for wanting to help :).

[Tarannosaurus]

One of my best female friends has panic attacks and mental breakdowns and when I try to help (By hugging etc) She seems to get mad or ignores me and walks away. If you where having a mental breakdown what would make you feel better? And what can I do to help her?

Whenever I have panic attacks I have to be away from people, so even though you're trying to help, hugging her could make it worse. When she has a panic attack, stay with her but keep your distance. You could try encouraging her to take deep breaths or reassure her that it will be over soon, but it might be best to just do nothing and help her when the panic attack is over.

[ksdnfkfr]

One thing people do that's helpful is get me a glass of cold water and leave it near by.
Drinking cold water helps sooth me as I'm starting to come out of a panic attack.

[xandyx]

Whenever I have panic attacks I have to be away from people, so even though you're trying to help, hugging her could make it worse. When she has a panic attack, stay with her but keep your distance. You could try encouraging her to take deep breaths or reassure her that it will be over soon, but it might be best to just do nothing and help her when the panic attack is over.

One thing people do that's helpful is get me a glass of cold water and leave it near by.
Drinking cold water helps sooth me as I'm starting to come out of a panic attack.

^^^ These

[ScottishCanary]

I tend to find that when I'm stressed of panicky, I don't really want to be hugged or have people trying to be close to me. I would just let your friend know that you want to be able to help her and that any time she needs someone to talk to or to share her feelings with, you will be there to listen.

[Dalcourt]

It's different for everyone so I guess you have to ask your friend.

For me sometimes I just want to be alone but other times I really want someone to be near...not hugging but holding my hand or so.

[NeuroTiger]

Your presence itself is really important.
A glass of water does help and probably try talking to her and reassure her.

[imthomas]

I go through the same thing your friend does