PANIC ATTACKS in the workplace

Office Solutions, Jul 2008 by O'Reilly, Nancy

HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND HELP YOUR EMPLOYEES

Michael was a star salesperson. A company had recently hired him to help it close several major deals with some of its largest clients. In his line of work, Michael often dealt with pressure from deadlines. In the midst of closing on two deals, Michael received an alarming phone call. His mother was ill; she had just suffered a stroke and was in the emergency room.

Michael felt as if his world was falling apart. In his office, his body started to react. His breathing became labored and his heart raced while his actions seemed to slow down. His manager had no idea what to do, so he took Michael outside for some fresh air. That seemed to calm him. Finally, when Michael had a chance to talk, he quietly explained to his boss that he had a history of panic attacks and this had been one of them.

THE SYMPTOMS

Panic attacks affect the body, behavior, and emotions. If left untreated, these attacks can lead to more chronic medical conditions such as substance abuse, depression, or ulcers. Unfortunately, panic attacks can happen anywhere, at any time. In the workplace, panic attacks can result in poor job performance or possible termination or the loss of a valuable employee.

The symptoms include:

* a racing heartbeat

* difficulty breathing, feeling as though you can't get enough air

* terror that is almost paralyzing

* dizziness, lightheadedness, or nausea

* trembling, sweating, and shaking

* chest pains

* hot flashes or sudden chills

* tingling in the fingers or toes ("pins and needles")

* fear that you're going crazy or about to die.

THE TRIGGERS

Roughly, one in every 75 people is diagnosed with panic disorder. The symptoms aren't warranted-there are no particular reasons why they should be occurring (no danger exists). Consequently, panic attacks can occur without warning.

The level of fear the person experiences is way out of proportion to the actual situation. In fact, often, it's completely unrelated to what the person is doing or the persons location. An attack passes within a few minutes; however, the attack can be repeated and can recur for hours.

A panic attack isn't dangerous, but to the person experiencing the attack, it's terrifying and very real. The person may describe feeling "crazy" or feel like he's losing control. The social impairment for a person with panic attacks can also lead to complete social withdrawal. The person might try to avoid all social and physical settings that may trigger future attacks.

Unfortunately, panic attacks impact the workplace. Talented and successful workers may leave a job that is perceived as a possible trigger for future attacks. A staff member may be passed over for a position because travel is required and he's fearful of flying or driving a car because of past panic attacks. It's not unusual for a person with panic attacks to be embarrassed by his condition and, therefore, keep it from co-workers and supervisors. Often, the condition is hidden until a situation arises when the attacks can no longer be ignored.

WHAT TO DO

When a panic attack occurs in the workplace, here are some steps you can take:

Deal with the situation quickly. If an employee is having what looks to be a panic attack, remain calm and don't overact. If the panic attack persists, you may want to call 9-1-1 for professional help. During the attack, some helpful coping strategies include:

* breathing exercises

* visualization techniques

* muscle relaxation exercises

* appropriate labeling of emotions.

Remember that any stressful situation, or one that causes a strong emotional response, can trigger a panic attack. In the future, the employee experiencing the panic attacks may need to take it slow at work. Supervisors should consider the situation carefully and offer support. Working together with other staff members and sharing the workload is an option.

The employee suffering the panic attack may need to see a doctor/mental health professional, or he may need some time off from work for treatment.

Be supportive and empathetic. Don't jump to conclusions. People with panic attacks often fear telling others of their disorder because they're afraid they'll be viewed as "crazy" or abnormal. Remember that the person experiencing panic attacks can't make them go away. These attacks aren't a sign of weakness or poor character. They're very real to the person experiencing them, and his body reacts to these fears as if they are real.

If you're a supervisor, encourage the employee to talk about the situation with you in private. This may be a first-time panic attack, or the employee may have them frequently. There may be stressors at work causing the attacks, or the attack may have been triggered by something that happened in the employee's personal life.

Provide the employee with referrals. Many companies have an employee assistance program on-site or contract with a mental health organization, which provides help for employees and their families. These programs are in place so that co-workers and supervisors don't take on job responsibilities for which they aren't qualified or licensed. Supervisors should make the appropriate referrals to ensure the employee receives needed help and his job performance isn't compromised. Fitness for duty is an issue for all supervisors when faced with an employee with a medical or mental health condition. If there's no such program in place, ask your supervisor or upper-level manager about establishing one.