Help me

[Kaaayla]

Who suffers from chest tightness and feel like they can’t actually breathe. This is a new thing for me really and it’s freaking me out can’t cope anymore. Feel like I can’t get an actual breath

[Lm92]

Kayla, I've felt this way before years ago when I first started experiencing anxiety. The key is reminding yourself that you're not going to stop breathing. Your body is releasing adrenaline into your system and that causes you to feel as though you need to breathe harder and faster. You've probably heard of the fight or flight response. The main thing for you to do is control your breath. In through the nose and out through the mouth while counting to 3 each time. Make it a point to relax the muscles in your chest and back. You're tense right now and when those muscles tense up, it makes you feel as if you can't take complete breaths. You can do this. You WILL be okay.

[Kaaayla in reply to Lm92]

It’s scary ain’t it!! Like my whole chest is tight! And feels like I’m struggling to get a breathe like I said I don’t even do anything for it to come on just comes out of nowhere. I thought I was the only one experiencing this. 😢x

[Lm92 in reply to Kaaayla]

Not at all. You're not alone. ❤️

[Agora1]

Dearest Kaaayla x this is yet another symptom when suffering severe anxiety.The chest wall muscles and diaphragm tighten up because of our fears. Our fear

doesn't allow us to sit/stand straight. Our stance is one of "fight or flight" which

makes our shoulders held high and our upper body bent forward. Even when sleeping

you may find yourself going into a fetal position which doesn't allow for your body

to relax and breathe.

Do not fear, this is not dangerous just uncomfortable. If you allow your body to relax

by just taking the shallow breaths that you can, your body will still be getting the oxygen

it needs. Finding a quiet comfortable space for a few minutes, allow your body to sit straight

with a small pillow behind the lower part of your back.

Wrap a small heat pak or hot towel directly from the dryer around your shoulders, That will

instantly allow your shoulders to come down away from your ears. As you listen to meditation and focus on what the words are saying, you will find yourself starting to relax.

As you do, you will feel the tightness in your upper stomach start to open up. Ahhh embrace

that feeling.

Don't force your breath, it will open when it is ready.

Sipping on some hot Chamomile tea can also help in relaxing the inner stomach.

It's all about not allowing yourself to be afraid but rather accept that this sensation can and will go away. It's going to be okay because you are okay. xx

[Kaaayla in reply to Agora1]

I do try but Iv been experiencing weird feeling in chest like proper tightness and feel like I can’t get enough air. I’m not even panicking for it to happen if u know what I. Mean comes out of nowhere so scary. It’s like someone is suffocating me 😢

[Agora1 in reply to Kaaayla]

Kaaayla, I can only go by having known you for so long.Your doctor is always the best one to turn to when experiencing

something different or more intense esp. involving breathing.

As I am responding to this post I see you wrote another one 16 hours ago

that's worded a little different. "Feeling like someone's sitting on your chest"

"Chest feels so tight and heavy with chest pains"

Since this seems to be ongoing, I would give your doctor another call.

I know he didn't respond to your call yesterday.

If it gets too bad, please go to A&E to alleviate your fears and address

the reason behind these symptoms. My best to you always xx

[Natsteveo]

Meee Kayla this is happening to me last few days I’ve been in a right state thinking I’m having a heart attack or something and have to take deep breaths.. think it’s anxiety related I’m the same hunni xxx

[Kaaayla in reply to Natsteveo]

It’s so horrible. Can’t breathe right. Feel like I’m suffocating! Hope ur feeling abit better x

[Nice888]

Hi Kaaayla, it's absolutely awful sensation. I also experience tight chest and a lump in my throat. It started last October after I had covid. I didn't know what was going on with me. I couldn't see a doctor and get help due to lockdown. My GP prescribed me escitalopram and I also had CBT for 2 months. And I actually started to feel better. So I decided I didn't need the pills any more. 2 weeks ago I had terrible setback and all my symptoms are back even worse than ever.

It's really hard to focus on smth else when you have a tight chest.

Well I am back on the medication by prescription. Work outs help me to change focus from my sensations. Yoga nidra relaxes my body.

The worst thing about the anxiety: the more your focus on it, the worst it's getting.

Sending you positive vibes. Take care.

[Kaaayla in reply to Nice888]

So sorry to hear that! I’m on sertraline 50mg. Don’t make me feel any different really my mind just won’t stop! I keep coughing think it’s an anxious cough I’m scared to leave my house to even walk my dog incase I struggle to breathe and no ones around to help me! So u get like ur chest is tight and get a smothering feeling just don’t know what causes it cos I ain’t panicking I’ll just be sitting there x

[Nice888 in reply to Kaaayla]

I know the feeling sweetheart💕. I also have strange coughs , especially in the morning and burps during a day 🙊. I thought it was due to covid I had last year. But escitalopram and CBT helped me a lot. I shouldn't have stopped taking the pills so quickly. Now doctor prescribed me the same medicine as you take. Its only 2 weeks but I am not better. Absolutely frustrated and lost. Tight chest, tight throat, a "frog". And doctors can't give me the answers.

You are not alone. Happy to speak to you if you need support 💕

[Hidden]

Hi Kaaayla . I have been experiencing the same sensations for over 5 years and mine is 24/7 so I fully understand how you feel. I get some relief with my medication but as soon as it wears off, I'm back to square one. The muscle tension has gotten so bad to the point that I can feel it through all my face muscles. I noticed few weeks back that when I consciously relax my muscles, my days get better. Like others have said, breathing exercises helps a lot. It's a horrible feeling but you will survive it.