Conscious breathing

[Shanty1234]

I've had anxiety since I was a child and had lots of trauma and grief. I had a big panic attack August last year and it's left me conscious breathing. I always feel worried and scared and like I'm waiting for the next bad thing to happen. I'm currently starting new meds and I'm on the waiting list for CBT.Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

[Lauragbr]

I’m not sure what “ conscious breathing “ is. Could you elaborate?

[Shanty1234 in reply to Lauragbr]

Just focusing on my breathing everyday.

[Coffeelove4444 in reply to Shanty1234]

That’s another way OCD likes to get a hold on you. You didn’t mention if you exercise or get outside for a nice walk. Getting your body busy can sometimes help slow down your thoughts. The medicine can also help. Build your toolbox with things that help you on a daily basis. Keep pushing forward. It will get better 😀

[Shanty1234 in reply to Coffeelove4444]

I sea swim daily and do venture out for a gentle jog or walk. I'm ok when I'm busy and doing things, it's just when I relax I focus on it.

[Lauragbr in reply to Shanty1234]

I can relate to not being busy and having your thoughts take over.

[Shanty1234 in reply to Lauragbr]

Any tips to help?

[Lauragbr in reply to Shanty1234]

I would imagine you would treat is as I treat intrusive thoughts . Just let it be there without giving it your mental or emotional energy.

[Shanty1234 in reply to Lauragbr]

I keep trying but can't seem to stop it. Been doing it for nearly a year after a big panic attack.

[lml885 in reply to Shanty1234]

OCD is also a “feeling” issue where the thoughts cause feelings that in turn make us uncomfortable. so some of the work we have to do is to to sit with the feeling and work to deal with it and allow it to pass

[Shanty1234 in reply to lml885]

Any ideas how to do this? Willing to try anything.

[Finngour in reply to Coffeelove4444]

this is a good note.Get ocd out of your head and put something else in. Hobbies, music,play an instrument.sing.hum.exercise.walk read play a sport.Stay busy doing things you like this will help you replace and ignore ocd thoughts etc

[Shanty1234 in reply to Finngour]

Thank you. It does definitely help when I'm busy doing things. It's just when I'm relaxing air driving.

[lml885]

they say ERP is the best for OCD not CBT

[Shanty1234 in reply to lml885]

I'm still awaiting a plan from my therapist as they don't know if it's OCD or linked to my anxiety.

[Finngour in reply to lml885]

I have had therapy, take meds,read many books but to be honest activities and in my case going over these notes from sufferers band commenting is an excellent therapy for me. Try to think and do things that will replace ocd space in your head and you will begin to experience relief. Just stay busy with positive activities. Keep that mind of yours engaged on positive energy.

[Lauragbr]

if it’s like intrusive thoughts you have to sit with the feelings of discomfort. For me, I do this quite often. It’s not fun, but my therapist told me “ nothing lasts forever “ and that keeps me going. Sometimes the feeling passes quickly and other times it takes awhile. I hope this helps.

[Shanty1234 in reply to Lauragbr]

I think I need to find out my trigger. I think I've had a lot of trauma and grief in the past I'm always waiting for the next bad thing to happen. Maybe the breathing thing is because I can control it?

[Lauragbr in reply to Shanty1234]

Oh for sure!! I think my intrusive thoughts are all about being in control. I’m so sorry you have had so much trauma and grief in your life. I hope a good therapist will help you. ❤️

[Finngour in reply to Lauragbr]

this does work because ocd is imaginary and sooner or later it will dissipate but why not be active doing something you like while sitting with these miserable thoughts. If anything it should speed up the process of getting rid of them