What to say
“I am here. You are safe. This will pass. Breathe out slowly with me.” Repeat in a quiet, slow voice. Short sentences only.
What not to say
“Calm down.” “Just breathe.” “There is nothing to worry about.” “Take a deep breath.” These either invalidate or worsen the attack.
The breathing lead
Stand or sit beside them, not in front of them. Exhale audibly for 6 seconds. Pause. Exhale audibly again. They will instinctively slow with you.
Aftercare
Water. A quieter space. Do not interrogate about the trigger in the first 10 minutes. Ask later if they want to talk.
Log your sessions in Breathe On and explore the matching guidance at [/breathing-for/panic-attacks](/breathing-for/panic-attacks).