Friend panic attacks

[Swils1009]

My friend has recently started having severe panic attacks whenever we go out to the pub. They get so bad that she can’t breathe and starts crying and hyperventilating. She is someone who often drinks to excess when we have a night out so I’m feeling that this is one of the reasons for the attacks. However, I’m worried there may be underlying issues. She always says that she doesn’t know why they’re happening.
I’m not really sure how to help or advise her. Does anyone have experience with anything similar?

Has she been to her GP?

She definitely needs to go to the GP. If you're with her - you can try grounding techniques such as asking her to count something (e.g. how many glasses are on the table, how many people are on the next table) or asking her what the date is. I have successfully used these techniques with someone having panic attacks, but everyone is different. You can also try getting her to focus on her breathing.