How to recognise a panic attack in public, and help someone through it

First aid and safety are often lessons taught in schools or discussed at home, with many learning basic responses to cuts and bruises from their parents. Mental health, however, is rarely part of such conversations.

How many people truly know what to do when someone is experiencing a panic attack? Is there a form of first aid for the mind?

Recently, during a flight, a passenger allegedly experiencing a panic attack was slapped by a co-passenger who claimed to be disturbed by his behaviour. Following the incident, the co-passenger was handed over to the authorities and placed on the no-fly list. Meanwhile, the man in distress was filmed and subjected to public attention – an ordeal that reports suggest left him deeply shaken. He was later missing for a few days before being found and brought home.

The episode serves as a stark reminder of the gaps in understanding and awareness around mental health, and the absence of widely recognised protocols for immediate response.

Anxiety vs panic: Clearing the confusion

Stress, anxiety, panic, depression – these words are now part of everyday conversations. Yet, they are often used interchangeably despite meaning different things.

Recent studies show a steep rise in anxiety from 23.7 per cent to 35 per cent in India post-Covid, reflecting a global trend. But here’s the question: how do you tell when someone is simply anxious, and when they are experiencing a panic attack?

First, let’s set the terms right. While people casually use the phrase “anxiety attack,” clinicians do not. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), there is no such medical term as “anxiety attack.” Instead, anxiety is an emotion -a heightened state of worry or unease – whereas a panic attack is a sudden, intense episode of fear.

What anxiety looks like

“Anxiety may be a normal reaction to something that makes you feel afraid or worried,” explains Shivanee Tripathy, RCI Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar.

“It can present as worry, fear of the unknown, and intrusive negative thoughts. The person may feel restless, struggle to concentrate, and experience physical discomfort for a while.”

Signs of elevated anxiety may include:

Fidgeting or pacingWithdrawing from a crowdBecoming unusually irritable, quiet, or excessively talkative

These behaviours vary from person to person and may not always be obvious.

Anxiety can be a feeling that lingers on (Photo: Pexels)

What panic attacks look like

On social media, panic attacks are often trivialised through memes and GIFs. In reality, they can be frightening episodes marked by visible distress.

“Panic attacks are periods of intense anxiety, fear, or discomfort that develop suddenly and reach peak intensity within 10-15 minutes. They may last several minutes to hours,” states a study published in the National Medical Journal of India.

Common symptoms include:Shortness of breathSweating or tremblingNauseaPalpitations or light-headednessChest discomfort

At their peak, these symptoms can mimic heart attacks or asthma. Experts caution: if the person’s condition seems to worsen, it is always safest to call for medical help immediately.

A panic attack can be more intense but short-lived. (Photo: Pexels)

The key difference is that anxiety tends to be a slow burn, lingering for days, while panic attacks are more severe, sudden, and short-lived.

How to handle it?

According to a mental health first aid guide, aperson may appear to be confused or disoriented, and it is essential to reassure them that they are safe. IF they are not as responsive, ask yes and no questions and encourage them to answer non-verbally.

Tripathy also shares what to say, and what not to say, once you see a person having a panic attack:

What to do:

First and foremost, stay calm yourself and speak in a gentle tone.Try to move the person to a quiet place, away from crowds or unwanted attention. Ask if they need help and guide them if possible. You may need to repeat your questions, but always keep your tone gentle.Help them regulate their breathing. Encourage slow, steady breaths: inhale through the nose, hold for a couple of seconds, then exhale slowly through the mouth. Demonstrating the rhythm can help. In some cases, exhaling into a paper bag may also be useful.Reassure them in a calm voice that they are safe and that the overwhelming feelings will gradually subside.

What NOT to do:

Avoid saying things like “relax” or “calm down.” These can feel dismissive and are often the last things they want to hear.Do not shake them, crowd them, or draw unnecessary attention, as this can worsen the situation.In today’s era, people are quick to film and share moments online – never create a scene or record the person.Do not grab, hold or restrain. Avoid touching them without prior permission from them. A first aid for mental health

Just as people are trained in CPR and basic first aid to save lives, it is equally important to know how to identify and respond to someone experiencing a panic attack or heightened anxiety.

Experts admit that conversations around mental health are becoming easier now than before, but it’s still not enough. There’s a long way to go in truly understanding these terms.

“Schools, workplaces, and individuals in public-facing roles should be able to recognise the symptoms, offer timely reassurance, and seek help when necessary. This not only builds awareness of common challenges the human body and mind may face but also equips us to overcome certain manageable adversities. A right and timely response doesn’t just ease the situation – it can also prevent harm caused by ignorance or lack of awareness,” she concludes.

– Ends

Published By:

Jigyasa Sahay

Published On:

Aug 29, 2025