Is there ever a reason to call 911?

[molly0]

My husband has panic disorder, but since he started his medication about a year ago he's only had symptoms in the evening hours.  Tonight his panic attack was more severe than usual.  He was going back and forth between hyperventilating, and holding his breath.  I thought he was going to faint.  I almost called 911, but he said it would have made him feel even worse.  Is there ever a time when it is appropriate to call 911 for an anxiety attack?

[gma2]

Has he tried to breathe into a paper bag for these? This helps me tremendously. You may need to sit with him and remind him to breathe nice deep cleansing breaths when first using this almost-free treatment. Later, he will grab it, and know to remember to take deep breaths in and deep breaths out inside that bag (I have a bag in every room of the house and wherever I go). It is (for me) a 99.9 % sure fire solution to a 911 call.

Deep breathing is Key to settling back down. Hands down.

To answer your question about an appropriate time to call 911 (again, what works for me) - what I base that decision on (and I have had to call them) is if my chest hurts bad and the breathing doesn't settle that down, an extreme headache with any vision changes, or if the heart rate doesn't settle down within a few minutes once the breathing is controlled especially if there is s.o.b. (shortness of breath) with the rapid heart rate.

If 911 is called, oftentimes, even if it's embarassing that it turns out to be over and done with by the time they get there or while they are there, we tend to forget they are there to help and you should never second-guess that call once it enters your head to do so.

BTW, evening hours tend to be a trigger for the darn things. What is happening is the body is gearing up for sleep and it kinda lets you know that - the hard way sometimes. Sleep is so important to maintain. No matter what is going on, evening is a 'rest' time according to the body, so maybe keep that in mind as well.

Please continue to be supportive and kind and helpful during and after. We depend so much on our loved ones to help us through. He is a lucky man to have you as his wife.
Kindest regards

[cj29]

If your husband has been cleared medically, then calling 911, in my opinion, during a panic attack is not necessary.  When I was suffering from these, I really wanted to on multiple occasions, but after having tests done and realizing it was anxiety, one of my goals, believe it or not, was to not call.  I did this in consultation with my therapist of course.  I know it can be frightening looking at this from the outside, but as a word of encouragement, if your husband recognizes that this is panic, then he is already taking that step in recognizing and confronting it.  Keep us posted.

[Leah22]

Has your husband been seen by a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions? When I first started having panic attacks, my therapist sent me to get a physical to rule out any other medical problems. If he is healthy otherwise, there usually isn't a reason to call 911. But, if you get very worried, and are very concerned for his health, then calling 911 won't hurt. I used to want to call 911 when I was having a panic attack, but then I would tell myself it is only panic and the odds were that by the time I saw a doctor, the attack would have ended. If your husband really feels as though he needs medical attention, he will probably share that with you. As a sufferer of panic attacks, I always can tell when I am having one. Even when I am freaking out and feel awful, in the back of my mind, I am aware that I am experiencing panic. I am sure your husband is aware of what is going on as well. Good luck and let me know if you need any more info!

[goodeys]

Hi Molly0

I'm sorry to hear that your husband is suffering and I am sorry that you too are having to go through this terrible time. The focus is normally on the sufferer and never the loved one that has to stand by and helplessly watch which I think is wrong, it is a tough time for the two of you.

I have to say that in my experience there never has been a reason to call the emergency services, I've done it twice myself and it does help because it calmed me as I knew that I would be getting medical help as I thought I was dying. But from a medical point of view there was never any real reason other than panic. The worst that ca usually happen is that you will pass out and this will not cause any longterm health affects providing you land in a soft area.

Does your husband have any prn that he can take when an attack gets reallybad, I have valium/diazapam which i can take when I am in a total mess. It is also a good idea to practice breathing exercises so that when an attack comes you can try and put it into practice. In time you will both find a way to calm the situation quickly but it's one of those things that take time.

Good luck with everything and I really appreciate how tough this is for you as well as your husband.
Sam x