As I was rushing back to the office one afternoon, an older lady from my building flagged me down. She asked if I could help her, and I said sure, what’s the problem? She said she was feeling very shaky and asked if I could help her cross the street. Of course I did.
Once we were on the other side, she started a conversation. I was running late, but she mentioned she was in the middle of a panic attack, so I stayed to help her relax and get comfortable.
I don’t know much about panic attacks, but it’s clear they really affect people. I have a few friends who experience them, and while I don’t fully understand, I see how incapacitating they can be.
As we talked, she mentioned shaky knees and a fear of losing consciousness. I offered to walk her all the way to her apartment, but she said she was starting to feel better just by talking for a bit. I kept her company a few more minutes until she felt okay.
If you ever come across someone in this kind of situation, put everything aside and take the time to help. That simple act can make a big difference in someone’s life, especially an older person. After I said goodbye, I continued to the office. On the way, I passed a man who laughed loudly and a younger guy who said hello in passing.
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