(Image source from: Canva.com)
First aid and safety are topics frequently taught in schools or talked about at home, with many children learning basic treatments for cuts and bruises from their families. However, discussions about mental health are seldom included. How many people genuinely understand what to do when someone is having a panic attack? Is there a type of first aid tailored for mental issues?
Recently, on a plane, a passenger who was thought to be having a panic attack was hit by another passenger who said he was bothered by the situation. After this event, the passenger who hit him was taken by the authorities and put on a banned flight list. Meanwhile, the man who was in distress was recorded and faced public scrutiny—an experience that sources indicate left him very shaken. He was missing for a few days afterward before being located and returned home. This incident highlights the lack of knowledge and awareness surrounding mental health, as well as the absence of accepted emergency protocols.
Words like stress, anxiety, panic, and depression have become common in daily discussions. Yet, they are frequently used as if they mean the same thing even though they are distinct. Recent research shows a significant increase in anxiety levels from 23.7 percent to 35 percent in India after Covid, which mirrors a global pattern. But here's the important question: how can you differentiate between someone who is merely anxious and someone who is having a panic attack? First, let’s clarify the terms. While many people casually use the term “anxiety attack,” mental health professionals do not. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders indicates that there is no medically recognized term called “anxiety attack.” Anxiety is a feeling characterized by increased worry or discomfort, while a panic attack is a sudden, extreme episode of fear.
Anxiety can be a normal response to something frightening or concerning. It may show up as worry, fear of the unknown, and negative thoughts that interrupt your mind. A person may feel restless, find it hard to focus, and go through physical unease for a period of time.
Signs of increased anxiety can include:
Not being able to stay still or moving around
Avoiding social situations
Becoming more irritable, quiet, or overly chatty.
These behaviors differ from person to person and may not always be easy to see. On social media, panic attacks are often made light of with memes and GIFs. In truth, they can be terrifying experiences marked by clear signs of distress. According to a study published in the National Medical Journal of India, “Panic attacks are episodes of severe anxiety, fear, or discomfort that occur suddenly and reach their peak within 10-15 minutes. They can last from a few minutes to several hours.”
Common signs include:
Having trouble breathing
Sweating or shaking
Feeling sick to the stomach
Feeling your heart race or becoming light-headed
Experiencing chest pain.
The main distinction is that anxiety usually develops slowly and can last for many days, while panic attacks strike suddenly and are intense but brief. Just like how individuals learn CPR and basic emergency care to protect lives, knowing how to spot and address someone going through a panic attack or increased anxiety is equally important. Professionals acknowledge that discussing mental health is becoming easier now compared to the past, yet there is still much progress needed. We have a long journey ahead to fully grasp these concepts. Schools, workplaces, and those in public service roles should be able to notice the signs, provide immediate comfort, and seek assistance when needed. This not only raises awareness of common issues the body and mind may encounter but also prepares us to handle certain challenges effectively. A suitable and prompt reaction doesn’t just help the situation - it may also avert dangers caused by unawareness or ignorance.
