How can I ease panic attacks through text?

[greenstar2001]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this website and decided to join because this place seemed like a good, supportive community. I'm writing this post in search of some advice and answers.

First things first, I am not sure if I have anxiety. I probably don't, but my girlfriend does, and they always seem to get anxiety attacks when we are not together and I can't be there to physically comfort them. Sometimes they will message me on skype about it and I try to comfort them to the best of my ability, but on some occasions I am at a loss for words. The last thing I want to do is say something that might make them feel worse.

For example, today I thought we were going to meet up with some other people and while I was on my way there they canceled. I tried to convince them to go, and then they told me that they had been having panic attacks for the past three days. I felt awful that I wasn't able to help, but I just didn't know it was happening. Then I told them that if it would stress them out, they should stay home because I didn't want them to feel bad. I said this because I did not want them to be in a situation where they would be uncomfortable; I did not say it to patronize them or be mean to them in any way.

My question is, how do I comfort them over text? What kinds of things am I supposed to say?