Throat tightening sensation

[Kris101987]

Does anyone deal with physical symptoms of anxiety like tightening in the throat? Mine has been doing this since December and no matter how relaxed I am, it doesn’t go away. Just dealing with little things during the day can make it worsen. I’m already on 150mg Zoloft. What can I do to make it stop???

[Shivedita]

I have seen this but has no idea how to deal with it. Someone with the info will soon respond.

Take care!

[Jeff1943]

Do nothing and eventually it will stop. If you fight it you only cause yourself more stress and tension which feeds your anxiety disorder. So stop fighting it and accept it for the moment, agree to co-exist with it for the time being.

Tightness of the throat, even the feeling of a lump in your throat, are well known symptoms of anxiety caused by over sensitised nerves. I had it 20 years ago, once I understood it was not a 'real' organic illness I stopped stressing about it and it yielded.

[Senator_McCat]

Yes—I get a range of physical symptoms including tightening in my throat like I can’t breathe. Focusing on them unfortunately only makes it worse. I’ve found ironically that what eliminates my physical symptoms is just succumbing to them and saying “fine, if I die, I die. Screw this.” My therapist actually thinks this is a great way of handling it, which is laughable seeing as it’s so negative. But it works!

[Jeff1943 in reply to Senator_McCat]

Accepting (for the moment) rather than fighting your anxiety is the method for recovery developed years ago by Doctor Claire Weekes who described it in ""Hope and help for your nerves" available new or used from Amazon or Ebay.

[Hidden]

I have trouble with anxiety and for me doing deep breathing helps. When I'm starting to panic my heart starts to beat faster and my breathing gets quicker. I try to take slow, deep breaths and tell myself I'm going to get through this, I will be alright, stay calm, and I know the feelings and sensations will pass.

[JP8810]

I too have similar sensations from time to time. I found that it often is a precursor to increased panic symptoms. Know that these sensations are not unusual and are very common in people who suffer with anxiety. They are harmless. I find that mindfulness practices and remembering to stay in the present moment and shifting focus outwards helps.