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Breathing problems - help!!

Posted , 13 users are following.

clr1166
clr1166

I've had problems with panic attacks since I was about 9, but it wasn't until recently my doctor 'diagnosed' me with a major anxiety problem. The only reason this happened was because I was suffering 2-3 panic attacks a day and anxious thoughts constantly in between. He checked me for thyroid problems but that came back negative, but a few days after my doctor appointment I ended up in A&E, certain I was gonna die. They did a heart trace and a blood test and said everything was fine, it was just anxiety, and I should go home.

Anyway, I've noticed during my anxiety I become overly aware of my body, my breathing, my pulse etc. And it's got to the point I feel I can't breathe automatically and I now have to take each breath myself. I'm not too concerned about this being a health problem because when I'm distracted i know I can breathe by myself without noticing.

However, when I do have these obsessive periods it feels as if I can't have a satisfying breathe. I know that sounds stupid but I can't explain it, I breathe in and I don't feel like it's filling my lungs, then I breathe out and again it doesn't feel like my oxygen levels are balanced. I obsess so much I make myself lightheaded, and I've convinced myself there's something wrong with my heart or lungs.

Please help, I don't know if it's just my anxiety or not, I really need reassurance!

1 like, 24 replies

24 Replies

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  • carole28488
    carole28488 clr1166

    Posted

    Hi, Chenise:  I'm so sorry you are having these terrible things.  I have had anxiety since birth, and it is no picnic in the park.  I, fortunately, have a great doctor who found the right meds to keep mine under control, but I still have a panic attack once in a while.  To me, it is like 20 minutes or more in hell...They are HORRIBLE...I woke up this morning at 2:00am, feeling sick to my stomach.  Right away, I thought the very worst.  I had pains everywhere.  What I did was...I went to the bathroom, and very little urine came out...my first thought...Kidney shut down.  I had to get control or else...I took my ipad and started messaging a friend.  Before you know it, the pain was gone...Thank God, it went away..Who knows what brings them on, but think how great it feels when they go away and you are once again in control of your body...Hang in there, sweetie...they will most likely get less and less and you get older....HUGS.

     

  • Winnie143
    Winnie143 clr1166

    Posted

    You have had the tests, sout poutnothing wrong there. Only you can help yourself.

    When you feel laboured breathing,   breath in and when you breath out purse your lips slightly as in a whistle (dont whistle) like a pout !! I know you've been told this many times but it is all in the mind, why dont a group of you get together and talk about it.

    You will all go "oh yeah I get that"  now  go and live it is anxiety and you can rule it or let it rule you.  Good luck and be strong and no panic attacks  xxx  You can overcome it.  Now show me how strong you all are xx Calm inhale and pursed lips exhale xx  Go get em xxxx

    • clr1166
      clr1166 Winnie143

      Posted

      Thanks for the encouragement :-) I'm trying to beat it and live my life again but it feels impossible, and I'm constantly told to 'get over it' by people who don't understand how hard anxiety is. It makes me feel like I'm making the whole thing up.

      Breathing with pursed lips really helped, only some times I'm too far gone and nothing seems to work or distract me.

      Appreciate the tips smile xx

  • Winnie143
    Winnie143 clr1166

    Posted

    Typo so mucked up 1st line.. should read

    You have seen Doc and had tests so nothing wrong there  lol made a real mistake xx  Keep well all

  • clr1166
    clr1166

    Posted

    I also forgot to add I've suffered with asthma and a heart murmur since I was very young, although my asthma never seems bothersome and my heart murmur hasn't caused any problems since the doc first found it.

    I can't be given medication because I'm only 16 which can be annoying, but at the same time I don't want to have to rely on medication to sort myself out.

  • Winnie143
    Winnie143 clr1166

    Posted

    I had a panic attack and I tried the breathing and for me it worked but some people get it so bad they wont eat out. 

    See Doc again and ask him if it is your heart or anxiety attacks and say it is spoiling your life.  If it isn't heart (as my Sister was a blue baby and she done loads).  Then ask him any tips for lowering panic attacks.  Good look and always sing happy songs xx

  • kaitlyn33448
    kaitlyn33448 clr1166

    Posted

    Oh my God!!! I feel the exact same way! I totally get what you mean about how you feel like you can't fill up your lungs!! I feel the same way, I say that all the time! I'm so happy I'm not alone. <3

  • bre6736
    bre6736 clr1166

    Posted

     HI clr1166, 

    I’ve had  rough 4 weeks of  similar symptoms as you. I  had a brain injury 8 weeks ago and have had weird things happen to me ever since.  I’ve been on anxiety Medicine for 4 weeks now because 4 weeks ago my mind started saying “in” “out” with every breath I take the only time it stops is when I’m reading something or talking. The medicine has not helped with this. I’m on a sleeping med also and still barely sleep bc my mind never shuts off. I read one of your posts from 2 years ago about your breathing awareness but wasn’t able to respond bc it was locked. Has that ever gone away for you? If so how? I’m very desperate as I can’t get any answers from my doctors and this came on suddenly overnight. Thanks 

  • Jnn
    Jnn clr1166

    Posted

    Panic attacks are often related to breathing.   It's not immediately very easy, but when you are feeling more calm again, maybe you could try to learn breathing exercises?  There are many different breathing exercises you can learn (and with guides on YouTube).  

    I hope this could be helpful. 

    Best, 

    Jonathan

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