Feeling anxious today

[Gmfc]

Hi all. I’ve been experiencing chest pain over the past few months. Went to the doctor had an ekg and an echo everything normal. Today I feel super anxious almost shortness of breath. I’m trying to stay calm and tell myself it’s just panic but of course I’m the back of my mind there is that what if? My uncle had a heart attack earlier this week totally unexpected so maybe that too is playing a part in how I am feeling. Just needing some support. Thank you.

[Agora1]

Hi Gmfc, your uncle's medical issue this week certainly didn't help the negative thoughts

that have been there for several months. You have to hang onto the fact that you have

been checked out and everything is okay. Chest pain can often come from the chest wall.

Muscles get tight, nervous system over sensitized and "what if" takes hold.

Remind yourself that you are not your uncle or anyone else who may have suffered a

cardiac issue. You're concerns have been addressed by your doctor. Breathe and try

to let go of the negative thoughts. I hope your uncle is coming along okay. xx

[Gmfc in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for the reply. I know your right. I’m struggling with this Almost constant chest pain everyday and today I felt out of breath. My doctor is saying it is muscular/ skeletal but I get waves of panic sometimes.

[Agora1]

Gmfc your doctor is right in that it is muscular skeletal.

The feeling of being out of breath also comes from the tight

muscles of the diaphragm and upper stomach. When we are

scared, our posture is also affected by the fact that we tend to

slouch putting more stress on our already tight muscles.

Sitting or standing properly can open up the chest allowing you

to take in air easier. You Tube has a great video that will put you

breathing back in sync. It's short but effective.

"Sinking & Slowing Breathing Meditation" by the Quiet Mind Café.

Namaste! xx

[Hidden]

Hey

I had the same went to hospital

They said all fine but basically when you panic and heart rate increases it can cause the heart to have an period of irregular beating and it feels a little like a heart attack

Shortness breath dizzy light pain

Breath try and calm your ok I’m sure

Andy

[Gmfc]

Thank you for the replies. I am also weaning off my citalopram. Very slowly but that might being a playing factor in why I am getting anxiety/panic attacks again

[Nobster]

Oh dear. I’ve been stuck in that what if it’s this time mentality for 6 years now and here I am !! Lol.

It’s always hard but over time it genuinely does get better.

Try to stay chilled and relaxed and when you get the chest pain breathe through it. I’ve been told many a times that if you was having a heart attack you’d know about it. Lol.

On the other hand anxiety seems to make us want to control each and every sensation but to be blunt about it there’s nothing we can do as humans to prevent such an incident so there’s 2 ways to look at it.