Anxiety/shortness of breath

[Lilly24]

I've had a stressful time lately, I now feel that it's all catching up on me. The past week I have been extremely anxious and short of breath, I feel like I cant get a full satisfying breath sometimes and its setting my panic off even more. Dr said its anxiety but it hasnt gone away for over a week and now I'm over thinking it could be serious I feel so scared an stressed which makes it worse one big vicious cycle.

[Grady80]

It happens to me as well and when I get over the shortness of breath something new comes along, like numb sweaty hands. Back pain, tingling sensation, dizziness and nauseous at the same time. It’s always something. But, I had to be reassured several times that I was experiencing severe anxiety

[Lilly24 in reply to Grady80]

I am exactly the same I start feeling something like aching arm or back pain then over think then have a panic attack convincing myself I'm dying of a heart attack. But surely the not been able to get a full breath for this long is more than anxiety

[Hidden]

I’m experiencing the same thing! It’s so scary.

[Hidden]

Are you on any meds?

[Lilly24 in reply to Hidden]

Yes I take propranolol

[Hidden in reply to Lilly24]

Are you feeling okay? I’ve been experiencing shortness of breath and it’s hard to even breathe deeply for me it wears me out. Been having constant panic attacks because of trouble breathing. Is yours all day? There’s not a time during the day where it’s not there so I feel like it could be serious.

[Lilly24 in reply to Hidden]

You sound like me exactly the same I'm trying to yawn to take a full breath but most of the time I cant even yawn. Yes it's been there constant for over a week I spoke to a dr on the phone and he was positive I wasnt dying and said its anxiety and just distract yourself which pissed me off because if it was that easy I'd of done it already. Its caused daily panic attacks for me too convincing myself I'm dying of something serious. Do you also feel bloated sometimes and like theres pain in your ribs?

[Hidden in reply to Lilly24]

YES! I feel like my stomach is full but it’s not. It’s such an odd feeling. I called my doctor today and he also had said it might be anxiety and to take a xanax tomorrow and if it’s still there then I need to get checked. Which really scares me because if it’s still there i’m gonna be having constant anxiety and worrying it’s very serious. I’m having pains in my heart like it’s being squeezed though.

[Lilly24]

The only thing I'm starting to try and think now is because I've had it this long if it was a heart attack or something it would of happened by now but it's so very hard not to concentrate on the breathing when that's all that's on your mind 24/7 I've tried distraction etc it doesnt help I cant even relax especially bed time I keep waking up feeling like I dont even know where I am and really panicky. Try and reassure yourself that if over the weekend you still feel like you need to be checked you can always go to a&e

[Kamp2020]

I've been having same problem for over 2 months. Have had many tests cardiac and pulmonary work ups and they were all normal. My Dr now is concerned about chronic fatigue syndrome which is showing up more because of covid. I'm at my wit's end with it all so I understand what your going through. Keep the faith

[Lilly24]

I'm glad all the tests came back fine for you, but I'm sorry you are going through this it's horrible I wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy. Without trying to sound rude its comforting to know you arent the only one sometimes it helps with the feeling like you are going crazy

[Tfaze22]

I’m dealing with the same issues for the last 7 months. Cardiologist and Dr said it’s anxiety. What ever happened with your issue? Can you hep me?

[Agora1 in reply to Tfaze22]

Hi Tfaze22, like anything else anxiety throws at us, it does go away once we stopfocusing on it. When I would catch myself being breathless, I would take a step back

in my mind and realize that I was holding my breath (usually when climbing steps)

First thought would always be my heart but when you realize what you are doing,

it can be reversed.

There are many Breathing exercises on YouTube which can help you focus in a more

positive way in regulating your breathing. With Anxiety, we tend to breathe with a more

shallow breath coming from the upper chest. That in itself can cause hyperventilation or

as I said actually holding your breath. Once your learn Diaphragmatic Breathing it can

help almost instantly with practice (usually takes 21 days to reset your breathing pattern)

I use my breathing practice each and every day which keeps me in a state of calm even when

stressed. It's excellent to use when driving in traffic, when in big box stores, waiting in the

check out line and anywhere else that adrenaline might start to rise.

I found this on YouTube which may be a good start for you.

"The Reset Breath to Lower Anxiety & Promote Diaphragmatic Breathing"

by David Murphy

Takes time, takes patience. It's okay if you slip back in your old pattern, push it aside

and go back to this video.. xx