Why Yelling Hurts: A Parent’s Perspective on Supporting a Distracting Panic Attack

Parents often face challenging situations when their child is experiencing a panic attack. Immediate reactions may sometimes be driven by frustration and exasperation, leading to unintentional harm. Understanding the importance of providing comfort, reassurance, and a calming presence during such episodes can significantly improve the situation for everyone involved.

The Impact of Yelling During a Panic Attack

Yelling at someone experiencing a panic attack can exacerbate their distress and feelings of fear. This exasperation is understandable, but it's crucial to approach the situation calmly and with empathy. Panic attacks are instances of heightened anxiety that can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and isolated.

When parents yelling occurs, it can signal a breach in the relationship, making it more difficult for the child to trust and rely on their parents in similar situations. For children with social anxiety disorder (SAD) or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), such reactions can be particularly detrimental, as it may reinforce their anxiety about social norms and appropriate behavior.

Understanding and Empathy: The Cornerstone of Support

Finding a balance between showing concern and maintaining composure is essential. Parents and caregivers must be patient and understanding, recognizing that panic attacks can manifest in various ways and that each individual's experience is unique.

For example, a child with OCD may have rigid rules about lining up in a specific order or getting into the car in a particular sequence. Disregarding these seemingly irrational behaviors can lead to a sudden panic attack. In such cases, parents must demonstrate empathy and encourage their child to follow their own routines, even if it means a slight delay in the process.

A Personal Experience: Navigating a Panic Attack in the Morning Rush

I have a son and a daughter, both of whom have dealt with panic attacks stemming from SAD and OCD. Each of them exhibits different behavioral patterns during such episodes. My son tends to be meticulous and compulsive, while my daughter tends to react with frustration and anger.

One morning, my daughter needed to finish her muffin before being dropped off at school. I joined a longer line to give her this opportunity. However, when we reached the front, my daughter exited the line, but my son did not. My initial reaction was to direct him to move, but his hesitation made me lose patience, leading to a heated exchange. I yelled at him to get out of the line.

While it's natural to want to maintain order during hectic mornings, yelling can worsen the situation. It's important to remember that panic attacks are not about being difficult but about heightened anxiety. Instead of yelling, I should have waited a few minutes longer to accommodate his OCD tendencies, ensuring a smoother transition.

Lessons Learned: Patience and Understanding

Encountering a child with a panic attack, especially in a public setting, can be challenging, but it's crucial to remain calm and composed. Yelling not only does not help but can significantly escalate the situation. Parents and caregivers need to practice patience and understanding, recognizing that each child's experience with anxiety is unique.

For individuals experiencing panic attacks, seeking professional help and discussing coping strategies with loved ones can greatly aid in managing these episodes. While patience may be a virtue, it doesn't mean giving in to irrational behaviors; rather, it means finding a balance that respects both the individual's needs and the needs of those around them.

Conclusion: Embracing Patience and Empathy

Supporting loved ones through panic attacks requires a combination of patience, empathy, and understanding. Yelling may seem like a quick fix, but it can perpetuate anxiety and break trust. By approaching these moments with calm and compassion, parents and caregivers can create a supportive environment that fosters healing and understanding.

Explore More Tips for Supporting Panic Attacks

For more insights and tips on helping someone during a panic attack, explore my Quora Profile. Understanding and managing panic attacks is a journey that can be navigated with the right guidance and support.