Question

[Espinoza38]

Is it possible to have anxiety symptoms even when you are calm?

[Hidden]

I believe so. I can be calm and then all of a sudden find I am hyperventilating and need to regulate my breathing

[Espinoza38 in reply to Hidden]

Oh wow. And after you do that do you get calm

[Hidden in reply to Espinoza38]

Actually yes it helps a lot. My therapist first told me about regulating breathing. Just a few minutes of breathing exercises can minimize anxiety. There are different techniques and closing ones eyes while doing this helps many. I often do

1.) Breath in through the nose and hold for 4 seconds

2). Slowly breath out through mouth and them hold for 4 seconds.

Note.. (while breathing in and out .. count 4 seconds also).

[Espinoza38 in reply to Hidden]

Ok I'm a do my best to do this. And does it work when one is in a full blown anxiety attack?

[Hidden in reply to Espinoza38]

I can't give you any guarantees as everyone is different but I would certainly try whatever I could to see if it helps. good luck!

[Espinoza38 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I really appreciate it

[deborah27 in reply to Espinoza38]

so much of living with anxiety is adrenalin, and living at a heightened sense of awareness all the time. one way that i remember about breathing properly is... smell a rose then blow out a candle, smell a rose then blow out a candle. do this about half a dozen times when you aren't panicky and hopefully you will do it automatically when the surge of adrenalin happens.

[Agora1 in reply to deborah27]

Great idea Deborah x

[Espinoza38 in reply to deborah27]

Interesting I'm a have to think about doing n breathing exercises that way. Because believe me I suck at the breathing exercises. I cant seem to get it.

[Butterfly2Be]

I think so for me. I can be calm. My mind not racing. And not breathing too fast. But my heart could be beating out of my chest.

[Espinoza38 in reply to Butterfly2Be]

Why does that happen. I've gotten like that before

[Butterfly2Be in reply to Espinoza38]

I know. Isn't it weird? I've gotten so used to I can carry on a conversation with someone and they don't even sense what I'm going thru inside because I appear calm.

[Espinoza38 in reply to Butterfly2Be]

Wow you are strong I would just been too scared

[Betty30]

Hi, your question is a good one. I think that its possible that these 'symptoms' are due to us constantly 'scanning ourselves for how do I feel? am I ok? am I getting nervous" how long will this calm last'????? I say this because its what "I" have to be careful of! The only thing that 'works' for me is taking an attitude of "OK FINE!! if and when it comes back FINE!! I'll DEAL with it"...almost a bit 'angry' with myself... sort of a Whatever!!! attitude... so you are not kidding or lying to yourself (important) but knowing I'll deal with it again when it comes around. This honestly helps me. Good luck to you and take care!

[Espinoza38 in reply to Betty30]

Thank you. I just have to learn to really talk to myself. I hate over thinking

[deborah27]

think it's a case of we are just waiting for the next episode, can't enjoy the peace.

[Espinoza38 in reply to deborah27]

I truthfully believe this

[Espinoza38]

And is that normal

[quieturban]

Yes. But I think it’s a bit more manageable. Hope that’s the case for you. Sometimes something triggers mine like if I find out I have to go somewhere I don’t want to go. I get so nervous. I hate this feeling that it takes over my life. Just wish I was more confident and didn’t feel so scared.

[Espinoza38 in reply to quieturban]

I would love to be more confident also. The minute I know I have to go somewhere I get scared and start panicking

[quieturban in reply to Espinoza38]

Omg you are just like me. I thought it was mostly only me. I know no one close to me that feels that way so it’s hard to to talk about it with them. It just makes me feel so alone that’s why I join this group for some support.

[Espinoza38 in reply to quieturban]

Well I'm here my friend. I'll help in anyway possible. But yeah the thought of leaving my house having to drive somewhere makes me panic. Or i have to make sure a hospital is near by.