extreme anxiety

[Yessiflower]

This year so far has been HARD. I've had a few personal problems and my anxiety is extremely high, breathing is my biggest struggle. I'm fine one moment and then next thing I'm struggling to catch my breath. For some reason, I keep chocking on my own saliva and when that happens IT'S TERRIFYING. My saliva gets thick and then it gets stuck on my throat making me panic. I've developed a chocking phobia because of it but it ALL started when my anxiety got worse. When I get panic attacks my hand feels numb, my lip slightly starts to shake and my eye...it's horrible. Also, I've been having a lot of sleep paralysis. Can anyone relate?

[vida_sana]

Hi, I had trouble breathing caused by anxiety. For me it feels like panic so then my breathing quickens and I feel short of breath. I went to a counsellor and she recommended taking long deep breaths as soon as you feel like that and to concentrate on your breathing until you feel more relaxed. Also techniques like almost 'taking a break from real life' by concentrating on the small things around you like the ground beneath your feet, look up at the sky, feel the things around you. It forces your mind to focus on other things and therefore stops you panicking about breathing and naturally it will become more relaxed. You're not the only one feeling like this though so please don't worry! I've been watching videos on YouTube to help. Here's a link to one

youtu.be/jx3204e3NEY(Not working as expected?)

Hope this helps

[Cibolagirl]

I'm having this very problem right now!! I also have a lingering cough from the flu. When it happens at the same time I swear I will collapse when no ones else is home. This has been occurring off and on for 8 years. I have periods of a terrible life.