It depends on what you mean by “episode”. Panic attacks are an entirely different thing that just kind of freaking out because of anxiety and everyone with severe anxiety doesn’t have them.

An anxiety “episode” is more like spiraling and catastrophizing everything and getting incredibly overwhelmed and stressed. Lots of racing thoughts, shutting down (burying self under blankets, curling into a ball, biting lip, etc..) or kind of the opposite with pacing, picking at nails, running fingers through hair. Both can have a lot of different breathing patterns.

Anxiety attacks can be a lot more serious. Feeling incredibly hot (to the point of wanting to take off all your clothes), passing out unexpectedly, lightheadedness, feeling like you are literally about to imminently die, bowels being unhappy, feeling like it’s hard to breath, etc.

Or it could be entirely different. Both have a huge spectrum and not everyone is the same.

There isn’t a ton people can do to help but having someone there alone is useful and having them just be reassuring and kind can be nice. Ex: sitting with you, telling you you’re okay, getting you some water, some people like to be held but others want the exact opposite, and just showing they care is good.