Considering what you and your teams have been through in the past two years, panic attacks may be more common than you think. The American Psychological Association defines this condition as a “sudden surge of overwhelming fear that comes without warning and without any obvious reason.” Signs might include shortness of breath, chest pain, weakness or dizziness, sweating, and/or pounding or racing heart.
If someone experiences a panic attack at work, the following advice might help:
- Breathe deep and slow. Put your head between your legs or breathe into a paper bag.
- Use mindfulness. Focus on your breathing and the present. Tell yourself, “This too will pass.”
- Visualize a happy place where you are at peace.
- Repeat a mantra or favorite work or phrase. Close your eyes and focus on the words. Breathe slow and steady.
- Take a break. Walk outside, get a cup of tea, or do something else that will remove you from the situation. The break doesn’t have to be long –5 or 10 minutes can help.
Don’t assume someone is having a panic attack even if they are showing signs. Instead, ask what is going on, find a quiet place, listen to then without judgment, and reassure them that these feelings will pass.
