Obsessive breathing?!

Posted , 9 users are following.

So I've had problems with anxiety for years but the past months I've had problems with my breathing. Basically I became so obsessed over it that I started feeling like I have to take every breathe myself (manually).

I can just about deal with all of my other anxiety symptoms except this one. It makes me feel like there's something else wrong and I'm going to die.

I mentioned it to my doctor and he said he's never heard anything like it before. I also mentioned sensorimotor OCD and he didn't really care, he said he'd look into a therapist for me. That was 8 or so weeks ago and I've still not heard, I've rang up countless times and am no further forward.

So my question is, does anyone else with anxiety have this? Does anyone suffer with sensorimotor OCD that has tips for me?

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    First fire that Doc and get another.  Yes, tell him he is no use to you and leav.e the ffice.  Then go online and write a negative rate for him.

    This is just my opinion and everyone is different so don't take my words into the bank. ;-)  What you have is very common with Anxiety and it may be the reason you have anxiety. I had that for many months and was dizzy all day long. Then I started to take biofeedback and listening to CD's for Anxiety (free on the internet) and eventualy the breathing problem went away and so did the dizziness. Yes, I still have chest pressure but is another condition whih creates the anxiety I have which is pretty much under control. 

    • Posted

      I'm considering seeing another doctor as I'm not satisfied with the care I've received.

      I'll have to try the anxiety CD's , thanks for recommending them smile

  • Edited

    I had exactly the same for 4 years I thought I had to breathe myself and not naturally it was an awful time !! I used to sit there and hold my breath to see if I would breathe but all undid was focus way too much and made me have palpitations all day every day!! But remember when we sleep our breathing comes natural all it is is just taking your mind of thinking about your breathing as it becomes obsessive !!! Mine has passed now thankfully I don't think of my breathing at all,as I'm worrying about something else !! Feel

    Free to message me I know exactly what you are going through love Michelle xx

    • Posted

      Thank you for the comforting words smile

      I know what you mean about the palpitations, they're awful! I really hope it will eventually pass.

      I either can't wait to get to sleep so I don't need to focus on breathing or I really don't want to sleep because I'm scared I don't wake up, there's no in between rolleyes

      Thanks again xx

    • Posted

      Hey michelle, Im glad you are doing well. please reaxh out go me i have a similair problem where i feel like im suffocating and destroying my own breathing pattern. please help me

    • Posted

      Hi i have it for 4 years now too but it doesn't get away in any way to have any advise ?

    • Edited

      Hey Hun,

      Im going throught the same thing for a year now. I have been through hell. My neck pain, chest pain from it. I dont know what to do. Even my airways had become inflammed from it. please help what did you do? Im scared i will die or have a terrible

      injury to the neck. I also feel like i cant breath in . Every day i cant wait to go to sleep bexause of this issue. How do i get over this hell?????

      Thanks for sharing your story.

    • Posted

      hi michelle how you getting on now i have this breathing problem and its torture and tips or advice as i feel like am cracking up.

  • Posted

    Yes i absolutely have this and know how you feel! I am SO aware of my breathing.. that i actually forget to take a breath. I find its alot worse when im not doing anything or trying to fall asleep. Its horrifying! 

    Unfortunately i dont have tips for you yet sad im still struggling with it myself

    • Posted

      Yep, whenever I don't have anything to take me mind off it (especially during sleep) is when it's the worst for me too sad
  • Posted

    if anybody can give more details about how to overcome breathing ocd Just tell your story how you overcame it.merry Christmas

  • Posted

    i too have this problem and its absolutely torture am just wondering how your getting on now is it any better.

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