How To Help Through An Attack-
Before they even have an attack sit down and talk to them, ask them what happens and If they have a clear tell eg. shaking, breathing quickly - that would tell you they are beginning to panic. Or maybe have a safe word that when they say you know they-re having an attack. You should also discus what keeps the person calm.
They will know when there having attack and will immediately want to leave whatever situation they're in. You can help them do this as its not always the best time for them and for me people often crowd to ask if your okay, so calmly help them away from the situation even that means you telling someone like a teacher for example that they need a minute outside.
When you are out of the situation but they are still having the attack you need to help them get to quite and calm place, having an attack can draw intention to you friend, people may hover round and ask if they're okay, for me this makes it worst there too many people all around me, so I like to go somewhere quiet it might be my room or school toilets but somewhere no one is.
Once your in a quiet calm environment they may want you close to them or they may not but stay with them because the last thing they want is to be by them selves and have someone else walk in or just feel alone.
Next thing to do is to get them sit if they're not already Panic Attacks brings on lots of different symptoms including faintness, so sit them down just in case.
Now I know during the attack they make look funny or just feel the need to laugh because this is an awkward situation, that is completely understandable and your friend will understand but try not to in front of them because a Panic Attack is horrible and the last thing they need is a friend laughing.
Now often during a panic attack they will begin to hyperventilate try breathing with them I know it sounds weird but do that to start with and the distract them with a story so they give you your intention and they don't focus an the panic attack, don't have them talk until they are breathing normal again.
Now try and help them calm down, you should have already discussed what calm them down. For me it breathing into water (don't know why) but maybe listening to music or just drinking some water will help.
Unfortunately Panic Attacks can reoccur several time a day and quite often once you have one you may have another not long after, so its best to stay with your friend for a while in calm environment and then when your friend is 100% okay, ease into them not going back. Don't go back to the same situation but try something less intense like 5 minutes with friends talking.
How To Help With Anxiety
There are many types of Anxiety, so first ask what type of anxiety your friend has, what it does to them and how much are the affected by there anxiety.
Research- Research for yourself, this is a great way to help you friend and learn more so you can understand what your friend is going through.
Be considerate- Your friends anxiety is not something to be over looked, they have told you for a reason so think before saying or offering things. To many young people party's and social events are very popular but to many people with anxiety this could be scary and make them feel uncomfortable, so don't try and force them into a situation or say stuff like 'your boring' they can't help it, so think about them.
Watch and Learn - If you watch your friend you will know what cause them to be worried or scared then help them avoid that type of situation or help them through it, when you know a situation they will hate is coming up help them by being someone they can talk to and let them know they are not alone.
Understanding- That this isn't your friends fault and that they cant help it, trust me they wish they didnt have it, they're not attention seekers they just cant hep it.
Most Importantly If Your Friend Shares This Then Let Them Know Your Always There To Help, This Scary For Them And It's Good To Know They're Not Alone
I don't know if this helped, I wrote this very quickly so please do let me know by comment or email me missbellezzateen@gmail.com
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