Understanding Panic Attacks

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear or discomfort that builds quickly, usually peaking within minutes, and brings strong physical and mental symptoms. It is the body's alarm system, the fight or flight response, going off when there is no immediate danger. Key points: symptoms can include a racing heart, chest tightness, shortness of breath, shaking, sweating, dizziness, tingling and a feeling of doom or losing control; panic attacks are not dangerous in themselves but feel terrifying; and some symptoms overlap with medical emergencies, so they must never be assumed.

A single panic attack can be a one off, but for some people the fear of having another attack starts to shape their life. They may avoid places where an attack happened, such as shopping centres, buses or appointments, and their world can gradually shrink. This lesson explains how panic attacks can affect daily life, including for people with disability who may find it hard to describe what they feel. Key points: fear of the next attack can lead to avoidance, repeated attacks with ongoing worry may point to panic disorder which needs professional assessment, and support should never force exposure.

When someone is having a panic attack, your calm presence is one of the most useful things you can offer. This lesson covers practical steps: check it is not a medical emergency, stay with the person, speak slowly and simply, move to a quieter space if they want to, support slow breathing, and use grounding strategies from their plan. It also covers what not to say and respectful language. Key points: never say calm down or it is all in your head, do not crowd or touch without consent, and follow the person's support plan.

Most panic attacks pass without harm, but some situations need escalation. This lesson covers when to call 000, such as a first episode, chest pain, fainting, symptoms that do not ease, or a person with a heart or breathing condition. It also covers when to tell your team leader, including repeated attacks, increasing avoidance, or talk of hopelessness or suicide. Key points: support workers do not diagnose panic or treat it; record what happened factually; encourage the person to see their GP; and Lifeline is available on 13 11 14.

This case study follows Wei, a man who receives NDIS community access support and who has occasional panic attacks. During a train trip to his art class he has an attack, and his support worker needs to respond calmly in a public place. The lesson walks through checking for a medical emergency, staying close, speaking simply, offering grounding if Wei wants it, protecting his privacy and recording what happened. Key points: rule out an emergency first, stay calm, follow the person's lead and record the facts afterwards.

This case study follows Ruth, an older woman living in residential aged care who has a history of panic attacks and a heart condition. One evening she has chest pain and breathlessness and says it is just her nerves. The lesson shows why a known history of panic never rules out a medical emergency, why workers must not decide that chest pain is anxiety, and how to respond when a colleague says she always does this. Key points: chest pain means calling for medical help, follow emergency procedures, and never assume.

This case study follows Dylan, a young man who has had several panic attacks in public over the past two months and now wants to stop going out altogether. His support worker has to balance respect for his choices with noticing a worrying pattern. The lesson covers how avoidance can shrink a person's life, how to respond when someone wants to cancel everything, and what to do when they mention using alcohol to cope or not wanting to be here. Key points: respect choice, report patterns, take hopelessness seriously and encourage GP support.