Seeking Guidance on a Distressing Experience
I have a friend, who is actually the daughter of my horse riding instructor. This young woman, aged 26, has endured significant trauma in her life, as far as I'm aware. During a recent outing on horseback, she experienced what she referred to as a "panic attack seizure." While I was mounted on my horse and she walked beside me, we were engaged in a typical conversation when she abruptly began to hyperventilate. In a frantic bid to find solace, she clutched a nearby tree, explaining later that this was her way of grounding herself. She was crying and screaming in a manner that was alarming, akin to someone witnessing a horrific crime. Since I was trailing behind the group in the forest, I quickly rode ahead to inform my instructor, who was at the front of our small group. We all took a break and waited for her, but by the time my horse dashed back to get my instructor, her episode had subsided. I was quite unsettled by what I had witnessed and asked if she was alright. It was a startling sight, one I had never seen before either in her or anyone else. She mentioned that she had consulted numerous doctors, none of whom could pinpoint the issue, though she indicated that these "attacks" were becoming less severe compared to earlier episodes. I was filled with curiosity but noticed she seemed somewhat uncomfortable or possibly embarrassed, so I chose not to pry further. I genuinely want to support her, yet my attempts at research have not been fruitful so far. I would greatly appreciate insights from qualified healthcare professionals or recommendations for reputable websites where I could find more information on this matter.
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 1:20:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's commendable that you're seeking to understand and support your friend through her distressing experiences. What you observed sounds like a severe anxiety response or panic attack, which can be very overwhelming for both the individual and those around them.
Explanation:
Panic attacks can occur suddenly and are characterized by feelings of intense fear along with physical symptoms such as hyperventilation, heart palpitations, and trembling. They may sometimes mimic seizures, which can understandably be alarming. Your friend's grounding strategy by holding onto a tree indicates a coping mechanism, often used to help regain focus during a panic episode.
It’s positive to hear that her episodes are becoming less severe, which may suggest some level of improvement or coping strategies she's developing over time. However, the nature of her past trauma could also influence her experiences and reactions.
Next Steps:
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Offer Emotional Support: Let her know that you're there for her if she ever wants to share her feelings or experiences. Your non-intrusive approach respects her comfort level.
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Encourage Professional Help: If she isn’t already doing so, suggest that she continues seeking help from mental health professionals. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often effective for managing panic attacks and anxiety.
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Educate Yourself on Anxiety and Panic: Consider visiting reputable websites such as:
- Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) adaa.org
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) nimh.nih.gov These can provide insights into symptoms and coping strategies.
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Inform Her About Grounding Techniques: If she is open to it, share some grounding techniques which can help during intense episodes, such as deep breathing exercises or focusing on her senses (what she can see, hear, touch, etc.).
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Create a Supportive Environment: When she’s around you, encourage activities that promote relaxation and confidence, like spending time with horses, which may help soothe her anxiety.
Remember, the journey through anxiety and panic attacks can be complex, and your understanding and supportive presence can make a significant difference in her recovery. If you observe her struggles worsening, it may be helpful to share any concerns she might express with a mental health professional.
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