Breathing!!!

[c_sparkles23]

Does anyone else here with anxiety feels like they can’t breath for no apparent reason or is it just me? I’ve noticed that this all started recently. I’ll be fine for hours, sometimes a whole day but then as soon as I start thinking about it I feel like I can’t breath or don’t get enough air. I hate it, I keep telling myself that nothings wrong because I sleep fine and wake up fine but soon as I feel an anxiety coming this seems to happen. 😒😩

[EndUser13]

Yes, I'm afraid that's very common for people who suffer from anxiety. I used to worry myself sick but found some comfort in rationalizing things. It's all part of your fight or flight response, your body tends to tighten up and get ready to respond to danger... that might be muscles in your throat tightening up but it feels sort of like choking.

I think it's helpful to have a routine of things to tell yourself when you begin to feel anxious. You can explain away why you might be feeling this way, it's just anxiety... remind yourself that it will pass, it can't hurt you (even if it sucks!)

Why don't you try to think up some things that help explain away the symptoms of anxiety, something tailored specifically to you that can offer some comfort when your anxiety begins to creep up

[c_sparkles23 in reply to EndUser13]

Oh thank goodness someone finally answers me. I was beginning to think I was running out of air or oxygen which I know it sounds very stupid. I have tried several things but somehow today’s nothing seems to be working. I hate this feeling

[EndUser13 in reply to c_sparkles23]

A common concern among people having issues with anxiety is that they aren't getting enough air or may faint when they tend to actually be hyperventilating (and getting too much air) or their body is so amped up, their blood pressure is higher and it makes it much harder to faint. I've found that understanding what anxiety is has helped comfort me and taught me ways of explaining away odd sensations rather than worrying myself sick wondering what was wrong with me. One of the things that really helps me when panic sets in is 'square breathing'. That is, breathing in through your nose for about 4 seconds, holding your breath for about 4 seconds, and then blowing out your mouth for about 7 (pursing your lips as if you're whistling. If nothing else, this helps keep me from hyperventilating.

Just out of curiosity, may I ask what things you've tried that you feel aren't helping?

[c_sparkles23 in reply to EndUser13]

I’ve trying relaxation techniques like writing, listening to music. I have not tried any dee breath techniques because I get paranoid of running out of breathZ like I said I be never experience anxiety this bad and this is all new to me and I have no support from anyone whatsoever

[EndUser13 in reply to c_sparkles23]

You've come to a great place, this forum has a lot of friendly people full of great advice

[c_sparkles23 in reply to EndUser13]

Thank you so much! I feel at ease to know that the things I am currently experiencing people on here have experience with or are going through them as well and that i have support and help when I need it

[alfreddy7]

One of the many symptoms is feeling like you’re running out of breath. It can come out of nowhere. For me is not an issue anymore as my brain probably got used to it. But now I’m trying to work on other symptoms that come with the anxiety.

They have to be address one by one so that they can be easily managed.

Hope you’re feeling better now.