Anxiety and Panic Attacks Course

This online course has been written at an intermediary level that fit the criteria to take training as part of their role. This includes:

• Refresher training
• Inductions
• Awareness
• Knowledge enhancement

Training in the management and support of individuals experiencing anxiety and panic attacks is essential within the UK’s health and social care sectors, as well as in various roles outside of these sectors. Understanding anxiety and panic attacks, including their symptoms, triggers, and the support strategies, is crucial for providing effective care and assistance.

Anxiety and Panic Attack Training: Who Is It For?

Health and Social Care Roles

1. Mental Health Nurses: Provide ongoing support and interventions for individuals facing anxiety and panic attacks.
2. General Practitioners (GPs): Often the first point of contact, diagnosing anxiety disorders and initiating treatment plans.
3. Psychiatrists: Specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including prescribing medication.
4. Clinical Psychologists: Offer psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help manage anxiety.
5. Occupational Therapists: Support individuals in managing daily activities that are impacted by anxiety and panic attacks.
6. Social Workers: Assist with accessing support services and providing psychosocial support to individuals and their families.
7. Counsellors and Psychotherapists: Provide therapeutic support to people struggling with anxiety and panic attacks.
8. Pharmacists: Offer advice regarding medication prescribed for anxiety disorders and monitor side effects.
9. Care Workers: Supporting individuals in residential and community settings, helping them manage daily tasks and recognising signs of anxiety and panic.
10. School Nurses and University Well-being Staff: Provide frontline support for children and young adults experiencing anxiety.

Roles Outside Direct Care

1. Teachers and Educational Staff: Identify anxiety and panic attack symptoms in students and provide initial support or referrals.
2. HR Professionals and Workplace Managers: Support employees experiencing anxiety, implementing workplace adjustments, and facilitating access to occupational health services.
3. First Responders (Police, Firefighters, Ambulance Staff): Often encounter individuals experiencing panic attacks; training helps in providing immediate, empathetic assistance.
4. Community Leaders and Volunteers: Can offer support within various community settings, including support groups and helplines.
5. Sports Coaches and Fitness Instructors: Recognizing signs of anxiety and panic attacks in participants and providing support or modifications as needed.

Importance of Training

Effective training for those working with individuals experiencing anxiety and panic attacks is crucial for several reasons:

• Early Identification: Training enables timely recognition of anxiety disorders, potentially preventing escalation.
• Effective Support and Intervention: Ensures that responses to anxiety and panic attacks are appropriate, supportive, and non-judgemental.
• Promotion of Recovery and Independence: Empowers individuals with coping strategies and supports them in managing their condition.
• Safety: Particularly important for guiding how to support someone during a panic attack, ensuring they are safe from harm.
• Awareness and Understanding: Helps in destigmatizing mental health issues and encourages empathy and sensitivity towards those affected.
• Legal and Ethical Considerations: Training ensures care and support are provided within the framework of relevant legislation, such as the Equality Act and mental health laws.

Training Content

Training for supporting individuals with anxiety and panic attacks typically includes:

• Understanding anxiety disorders and panic attacks – their causes, symptoms, and effects.
• Learning about the range of treatment options available, including medication, therapies, and self-help strategies.
• Developing communication skills to effectively engage with and support individuals experiencing anxiety.
• Practical strategies for managing panic attacks, including de-escalation techniques and grounding exercises.
• Knowledge of when and how to refer individuals to more specialized support or emergency services.

This training equips a wide range of professionals and volunteers with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively support individuals experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, promoting their wellbeing and recovery.