Hi sashlie, that sounds like a terrifying experience. I hope that your loved one is doing well, and I completely understand how this could trigger a return or worsening of panic attacks. Especially in these times, when it feels like everyone's responses are heightened.
You don't say how long ago this event happened, but please know that even people without a diagnosis of panic attacks can experience things like crying and shaking after something happens -- and it may not be immediately during or after the event, when you're occupied responding to it or in shock -- but a few hours or even days later when things have calmed down and you remember it. A similar thing happened to me, where something upsetting happened (a man groped me) and I had a really bad panic attack about two days later, and I started catastrophising that my anxiety would become extremely bad for a long time again or that I would feel like that forever -- however, it eventually settled, in part due to the help of a counsellor too.
Especially with anxiety, I find that it's very easy for it to spiral with catastrophising, and to feel like it will inevitably keep getting worse and/or last a long time. But sometimes that feeling can itself be part of the anxiety I think.
Have you been able to speak to a counsellor, GP or psychologist about your anxiety? They might be able to provide more specific advice and encouragement.
Take care! 🙂
