I don't know to help with mental health but I know how not to hinder.

As someone with OCD, I have a tendency to crave certainly, clarity and control in my life. This cannot be obtained all of the time, the old adage of course being 'the only certainties in life are death and taxes.' 

That being said, my OCD brain still seeks it out, still desires certainty as uncertainty breeds anxiety. With this in mind, recent changes at work have led to a feeling of uncertainty, I've requested written clarity so I am better informed and able to fully comprehend the change. This hasn't been given and my anxious, OCD-riddled brain goes into overdrive. Intrusive thoughts increase, generalised anxiety increases as I scramble to gain control. Unfortunately I lose. I have a series of panic attacks.

Panic attacks for the unitiated are a severe sense of overwhelm, symptoms vary from person to person, my breathing is quick and shallow, heart racing, I go clammy, hot yet shivering, I feel dizzy, faint and usually throw up. After the episode subsides I have a headache, shakes and feel emotionally drained. 

I informed work that I had a panic attack, my boss just passed me over to HR, they said I needed to focus on learning resilience and maybe a chocolate and a quick bit of fresh air would help. I'll tell my extremely qualified and extensively trained therapist next time that he's never given me chocolate in our sessions so that's where he's gone wrong. And for me? How lucky that I've met a wizard, a Fairy Godmother of sorts that has granted my wish of many years to be free of OCD. If only, the fateful night I experienced my first episode of OCD that led to my diagnosis someone had said, chocolate and a quick walk round the estate will sort you right out. 

So, there we are, what not to do. Panic attacks can happen to anyone, they are terrifying, overwhelming and all encompassing. If someone confides in you during or after a panic attack then do encourage them to ground themselves, focus on things they can see, hear, touch, taste and smell, deep breaths that are held to slow the heart rate and a kind ear. 

Similar advice for anyone confiding in you on their mental health in anyway, it is better to listen than offer any solution as it can easily offend. Remain judgement free and offer guidance in the form of mental health resources online or a GP. There are a wealth of resources out there, Mind, Samaritans, NHS website plus 111 has a mental health crisis option. I have unashamedly used all of them and encourage others to do the same.