I feel like I'm gonna stop breathing - Anxiety Support

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I feel like I'm gonna stop breathing

xo_haili profile image
9 Replies

So since about September last year, I've been feeling like I'm going to stop breathing. I haven't left my house in 3 months except for once. I just constantly have in my head that if I leave my house I'm gonna stop breathing because when I do leave...I hyperventilate like crazy and constantly swallow to wear I can't breathe! I ALWAYS have anxiety because I overly obsess about not feeling like I can breathe or why I have a certain sensation in a part of my body. I just want to leave my house & feel better and leave my house! I want to have a life like I used to:( anyone ever gone through this & know what I can't do to help. please help me. I'm getting so depressed from not leaving my house and not doing anything but sleeping or laying on my couch.

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xo_haili
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9 Replies
Agora1 profile image
Agora1

Hi xo_haili, I've had 6 years of being agoraphobic. I feared the what if I get dizzy and have a panic attack. I didn't want to embarrass myself so I chose to stay in my home. Only within the last 10 months or so, have I gotten back to driving my car for simple in the area chores. I have not by my choice but by necessity driven further in order to take my daughter to her doctor and blood tests. All of these done with no dire consequences. Oh, at times, I would get a little anxious but immediately I would put my deep breathing exercises into effect and stop the threat from happening. With each day I succeed, I become more confident and more willing to get out. The 4 walls of the house more than affected me physically and mentally. Staying in brings on depression as well as still having anxiety in the home. Physically, I've lose the agility that I once had because of being too inactive. I went from working out in water aerobics, 6 times a week, to being housebound. It is important for you to breathe the fresh air, get the sunlight, and see people (even if you don't interact). There's a life out there waiting for you. Don't let 6 years go by like they did for me. As for you hyperventilating, you need to start doing some meditation and deep breathing at least twice a day. Learning how to control your anxiety in your home will get you ready to venture outdoors. As for swallowing frequently, it too, is another sign of being anxious. YouTube has some excellent relaxation/breathing exercises that you can do for 10min or longer. Find the audio ones. You feel like you can't breath because your muscles, the diaphragm is tense. You will find by quieting down the anxious thoughts regarding breathing, you will begin to learn how to take slow deep breathes which will open up the airway and not make you fear any consequences when you do go out. Start slowly, maybe with someone if needed, add a few minutes more each time until you feel comfortable enough. Nothing will happen to you because breathing is an automatic response. It's the deep breathing that needs practice. I wish you well and hope that some of this will help you. My best to you. x

xo_haili profile image
xo_haili in reply to Agora1

THANK YOU

smjtty profile image
smjtty

I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM THEY WANT ME TO TAKE MED

I KNOW IF I TOOK MED I WOULD BE WORSE MY THING

IS I LOOK SO BAD I CAN NOT SLEEP I CAN NOT BREATH

I FEEL BAD AND I DO NOT WANT TO GO ANY WERE

I DO NOT WANT FOOD IT MAKES ME WORSE I HAVE

NON STOP BELTCHING I KNOW HOW BAD IT IS

xo_haili profile image
xo_haili in reply to smjtty

Did they say you had a medical condition? -¿Han dicho que tenía una condición médica?

smjtty profile image
smjtty

NO THEY TOLD ME IT WAS IN MY HEAD

xo_haili profile image
xo_haili in reply to smjtty

what assholes !

Lmichelle profile image
Lmichelle in reply to smjtty

They always say it's in your head smh

salsagirl20 profile image
salsagirl20

I feel like this too, it's hard i know when your anxiety it really bad. For me i do get this but not so much anymore I feel like i can control it but some days are bad. I have other symptoms that are much stronger for me then the not being able to breath - but know your body will not give up on you. You breath everyday without thought because your body will know what to do we are built for it. Just let your body do the breathing don't even think about it, take your mind off it. Easier said then done right? Try thinking of something good or watch a funny videos or just do something you love. I find giving myslef neck massages really keeps my mind off it and relaxes me.

hairkid profile image
hairkid

I have breathing anxiety almost all my life b4 I managed it now I can't .always have to yawn to catch my breath...been to so many drs. Want my life back..I recently lost my mom and I feel worse on zoloft klonopin and seraquel to sleep

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