Smothering : Feels like I’m smothering or... - Anxiety Support

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Smothering

Shaymocha111 profile image
34 Replies

Feels like I’m smothering or can’t get enough air . Like can’t breath and I’m scared . And focusing on it makes it worse

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Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111
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34 Replies

I feel exactly the same

Kayla_Brooke7 profile image
Kayla_Brooke7

Feel free to shoot me a message if you need someone to talk to, I’ve been struggling with this problem for many many years, you are not alone and you are a warrior, keep fighting! 💓

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA

That's most likely and anxiety symptom called 'air hunger'. If so, it will pass when your anxiety spell does. It's one of my least favorite symptoms, but I've learned that some deep breathing usually settles it a bit.

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

Hi jaynla,

Can you please share the deep breathing techniques you are practicing.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

Sure. In for 4, hold for 4, out for 6 is a good rule of thumb.

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

Thanks

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

One more help required, have you experienced constant forced belching/burping after you drink even little water.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

I do sometimes have belching episodes but I haven't associated it with water... you may be swallowing air. I can't think of any reason this should be something to worry about.

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

How do you manage this, I have a flight or fight situation when it happens.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

If you're referencing the gas issue, I don't really manage it because it doesn't bother me. The breathing issue does bother me, and I'm just learning to calm myself down using breathing techniques and remembering that it is not dangerous.

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toJAYnLA

Like me I’m scared to go to sleep , cus it’s like I’m smothering and my chest got a sting

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toShaymocha111

Ah - yes, I understand. Have you had the feeling in the past, gone to sleep and been okay? Also, have you been checked by a doctor?

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toJAYnLA

Yes

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toShaymocha111

Okay, so you're going to need to focus on the fact that you've been cleared medically and take heart in that fact, then just keep remembering: every time you've had this breathing sensation and gone to bed, nothing bad has happened. That is not going to change. Something I'd consider is getting in the shower and letting warm water run over you for a while. Something about this really calms my nervous system - and that's the only boogeyman here.... oversensitized nerves. You are not in any actual danger.

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

Hi Jay,

Do you experience smothering issues while taking bath or while doing any activity, I experience while doing every activity and need to take deep breath or yawn very often, unless I am distracted I keep doing this, I am unable yo enjoy a travel, if I keep ignoring the symptoms and do my work, it multiplies, please advice.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

I can experience the 'air hunger' sensations while doing anything, really - because I can experience anxiety and the 'adrenaline dump' anywhere. Last night I had if a bit in line at the grocery store, because that can be an anxiety trigger for me - so I did some deep and slow breathing. It helped. Here is some more info on this sensation: calmclinic.com/anxiety/symp...

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

Thank you very much for reply, also do you voluntarily cough to get deep breaths.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

Hey V - I don't cough much.

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

Hi Jay,

Do you experience hyperventilation all the time,vis there any help Doctors do, since I am experiencing this 24/7,I am reluctant to move from the bed and searching for solutions, for people who are suffering 24/7 what is your advise

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

Hyperventilation is remedied by consciously slowing your breathing. I don't know that there's anything for a doctor to do in this situation. If you download meditation apps like Headspace they can talk you through meditations focused on your breathing... that would help.

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJAYnLA

Thank you very much, one more question, due to this air hunger, hyperventilation, we have urge to yawn to take deep breaths, I am unable to control the urge, but this voluntarily yawning makes me tired, how you respond to this yawning urge.

JAYnLA profile image
JAYnLA in reply toVicky_2019a

Hi Vicky - I'm sorry but I don't have experience with excessive yawning. Hopefully someone else here does.

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toVicky_2019a

I have

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toShaymocha111

Hi shyam,

Do you still have air hunger, did it get resolved.

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toVicky_2019a

Still do

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toShaymocha111

Any help you found, because I am having this whenever I am awake, while bathing, eating, while working on my desktop, I need to gasp for breath, is this due to our thinking patterns.

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toVicky_2019a

Honestly I don’t know I think it’s apart of anxiety like mine is 24.7? Shortness of breath . Out of breathe smothering. Tryna control is hard even breathing heavy I really scared

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111

Thanks it’s soooo hard

Jmerrick22 profile image
Jmerrick22

I get that at times. Your basically breathing faster which makes you feel like your not getting enough air.

Jmerrick22 profile image
Jmerrick22 in reply toJmerrick22

Hang in there. When you feel that coming try and distract yourself with something. The best thing to do is keep occupied.

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toJmerrick22

I try too

Vicky_2019a profile image
Vicky_2019a in reply toJmerrick22

Hi jmerrick,

Just need an advice.

If I am in the supermarket or at work and suddenly if I feel smothering, how can I make myself occupied or distracted, please share your experience. It would be great help

Chilout profile image
Chilout

Go to you tube, find THAt anxiety guy and watch all his videos. This you tube channel was braking point from me and helped me sooooooo much. Good luck

Shaymocha111 profile image
Shaymocha111 in reply toChilout

What symptoms u battle with the most

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