Posted , 3 users are following.
Hiya, I just want to clarify something..lately i've been focusing on my breathing, and controlling it like it's voluntary. I keep worrying so much about my breathing that it's quite hard to just simply forget about it. Is this some kind of OCD?
1 like, 7 replies
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Laroxe wuntu
Posted
I wouldn't have thought so. Our breathing is very closely linked to our level of anxiety and the first thing that people have to learn when learning relaxation/meditation is breathing control. You can have a look on the web for mp3 files to download (for free) that can guide you through specific ways of controlling your breathing. Practice them at regular times to learn the techniques rather than try when your anxious, learn the skills first. Most people find these things useful.
wuntu Laroxe
Posted
im not anxious when this happens, i'll just be sitting there watching tv or something , and then think about my breathing... i think it is a kind of ocd no?
Laroxe wuntu
Posted
wuntu Laroxe
Posted
i think it's maybe just a really bad habit thought pattern, or sometimes ill scare myself and think what if this happens forever. how would you say i go about this ?
Anxious_Nick wuntu
Posted
Hi, Wuntu. I don't think what you're describing is OCD-related, but it may be something you should talk to a GP about. What I can tell you is that I've always had weird issues with breathing. If I pay attention to it (like I am right now), I feel as if I'll suddenly stop breathing. It's as if I think I'll "forget" how to breathe if I focus on it too much. This type of thinking can quickly spiral into a panic attack, so it's best to find ways to distract yourself. The human brain takes care of breathing...it's not something you should always be thinking about. The sooner you forget about it, the better you'll feel. I promise.
Feel better, Wuntu. Best,
Nicholas
wuntu Anxious_Nick
Posted
Hi Nick
Have you seen a gp/therapist? it's much easier said than done to just 'forget about it' i wish there wash a button to turn it off , but thank you i appreciate the reply
Laroxe wuntu
Posted
I understand what Nick is saying, but I'm not sure its possible to simply stop thinking about it, to stop yourself you have to have in mind what you are stopping. My own approach would be to actually to try and use this habit, and learn one of the many relaxation techniques available. Just remember that these are skills and need practice, you get better over time. It actually doesn't matter if you feel anxious, these are useful skills and can be useful in all sorts of situations.