← Help in Grant County

Someone is having a panic attack

Use when someone suddenly has a pounding heart, fast breathing, shaking, chest tightness, or feels like they are dying or losing control, and is very scared.

In danger right now: call 911. Crisis or thoughts of suicide: call or text 988. Not sure where to start? Call the Silver City Gospel Mission: 575-388-5071. Police, fire or sheriff, not an emergency: 575-388-8840 (Central Dispatch). Print our list of phone numbers →
These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.

1First, rule out an emergency

Chest pain, pain in the arm or jaw, fainting, or trouble breathing in someone older or with heart or lung problems: call 911. A heart attack can feel like panic.
911 (Grant County Regional Dispatch)
Emergency: police, fire, ambulance
911
Silver City · 24/7
If you are not sure, call 911. It's better to be checked.

2Help them through it

You can say"You're safe. I'm here with you. This will pass."
Move somewhere quieter if you can. Sit down together.
Breathe slowly with them: in through the nose for 4, hold for 4, out through the mouth for 6.
Ask them to name 5 things they can see, 4 they can touch, 3 they can hear.
Don't tell them to "calm down" or crowd them. Stay until it passes, usually 10-20 minutes.

3After

You can ask"Has this happened before? Is there someone I can call?"
You can ask"Are you thinking about hurting yourself?" If yes, use the guide "Someone is in crisis or talking about suicide".
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL)
NM crisis line (1-855-NMCRISIS)
855-662-7474
· 24/7
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL)
Peer-to-Peer Warmline (call or text)
855-466-7100 · 24/7: 855-662-7474
· Call daily 3:00-11:30pm MT; text daily 6:00-11:00pm MT
Use the guide "Needs someone to talk to or mental health counseling".
At the Gospel MissionThe Mission's peer support (Mon and Wed 8:30-1) is someone to talk to.

This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer

Know a better way? Is something out of date?

If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.

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Print these steps · Find more places to get help · Hours and numbers change; please call ahead. Something wrong? Tell us
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City, 575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.