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Panic attacks

Neen

I've been married to my husband a year. I have a lot of health problems. My husband has autism and dyspraxia. He has started having panic attacks where he thinks he can't breath. I don't know what to do or what help he can get. He also gets confused easily and gets muddled up with simple tasks. Is there any help or support he can receive because I asked the doctor and they said there nothing.

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CockneyRebel

I have COPD and am used to having panic attacks because I can't breath. When this happens to your husband, does he feel that his chest is only working at the top ? with short panting breaths ?

If this is the case then a technique of "belly breathing" might help.

As he breaths in get him to push his belly out, this will draw the breath to the botomm of his lungs. Then when he breathes out pull his belly in and expel the air. It is also useful to put his or your hand on his belly to feel and focus this action.

I hope this helps

susan48

There’s an app called breathing zone which helps you focus on your breathing and helps slow your breathing down.

Neen

CockneyRebel said:

I have COPD and am used to having panic attacks because I can't breath. When this happens to your husband, does he feel that his chest is only working at the top ? with short panting breaths ?
If this is the case then a technique of "belly breathing" might help.

As he breaths in get him to push his belly out, this will draw the breath to the botomm of his lungs. Then when he breathes out pull his belly in and expel the air. It is also useful to put his or your hand on his belly to feel and focus this action.
I hope this helps

I have Chronic Bronchial Sepsis and that was one on the phyisos I had to do when I was younger.

He can't seem to breath in to be able to do those exercises.

CockneyRebel

Do you have a respiritory care team in your area ? Even though your husband doesn't have a lung condition as such, they may be able to suggest other things

debbiedo49

I can understand this as I have panic attacks. In the first instance I had to learn a stop and breathe technique at cognitive behaviour therapy with mental health professional. You can either access this through your g p or look up the voluntary m h services in your area. There are various techniques or therapies around and you find one that suits you. Traditionally we used a brown paper bag and blew into that to ease panic attacks. The new techniques do not require a bag and are discreet. You can use an app if you like that which I have done myself and that's good for distraction when you are out and about. Look into what's available in terms of relaxation or mindfulness or yoga in your area too if that's appropriate .You have to practise breathing techniques every day so they become second nature when you need them. Also figure out what the triggers are.

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Neen, welcome to the community!

Does your husband suffer at all from anxiety? Your GP should at least be able to make a referral to a mental health specialist who may be able to offer guidance and help understand what's triggering them.
If you haven't already, it might also be worth reading MIND's page on panic attacks, or referring to the NHS page.

I'd also agree with @debbiedo49. Even when he's not having panic attacks, it may help to make a habit of practising the breathing techniques as it's often difficult to remember and feel able to use these techniques in the midst of a panic attack.