Anxiety - Shortness Of Breath

[Tense_Sez]

Hi Guys,

Fairly new here and can see a lot of threads on similar symptoms, but I'll share my story to let you all in on my situation and possibly find people out there who are in a similar place.

Just about a year ago, I was at a concert and was tired and over worked - lots of alcohol and little sleep. I then felt a sensation of not being able to take a deep, satisfying and full breath. Being a healthy 22 year old male who regularly goes to the gym and had quite a good diet, I'd never experienced such a thing in my life and absolutely scared the hell out of me. I tried to calm down, checked my pulse, had some water but still became faint and lay down and started having tingling sensations in all my extremities. I was told that I just had a panic attack by some average looking 'medical officer' who thought he'd seen it all before (I study medicine and thought I knew more than him at the time). I was convinced it couldn't have been anxiety causing such insanely scary symptoms.

I've been to a handful of doctors and had all the tests done and each one looks at me like I'm crazy, all my tests turn up normal (seems to be a common occurrence on this page), I've never actually been properly diagnosed or prescribed any drugs but have been to a psychologist. She's great but it just doesn't do anything for me. I never really catch myself thinking or worrying about things too much other than my health and have generally been relaxed most my life (or at least from my perspective), until this scare which has got me constantly thinking about my breathing.

It's been a year since then and although my breathlessness has improved, I'm still plagued every day by it - and struggle to get a deep breath almost half of the day. When I breathe in, I get a super full breath and expand my chest to the point that it hurts my back, but still doesn't satisfy that feeling of a 'complete' breath.

Just wondering if anyone currently/has felt like this and what people do to cope or how people have 'cured' it (might be a stretch). I know it's horrible to say but it almost eases my mind knowing there could be other people out there in the same boat as I am...

Thanks

Sez

[sharpie2]

Hey Sez,

Really sorry for the late reply, I’ve been meaning to but have had a very crazy December, work is killing me.

I can’t seem to pinpoint my triggers either, it just happens without me being conscious of it. That’s what I find the most frustrating, it basically lives within me. Maybe we don’t realise that our thoughts are subtly overriding us even though there’s no need for obvious panic about something?

Like you I have good weeks and bad weeks, the bad is very bad and the good is manageable at least. Recently I’ve been bad because I’m not happy at work at the moment, not sure I’m on the right career path etc. I’ve been trying to do rehab on my knee so I can play soccer this season and right now my muscles just don’t want to work they’re so tense and sore, which depresses me because I’m a 24 year old male that’s loved sport all his life.

My GP started me on a low dose of medication which seems to help keep my head clear and lift my mood up. It helps my physical symptoms slightly as well. It’s very expensive though which is annoying..

Coping mechanisms? This is a hard one..I don’t have many really..go for a walk by yourself, push everything away and take in the outdoors. Talk to people, seriously talk to people, friends, family etc, do catch up with your friends regularly. Rest when you feel like you’ve had a big day and are irritated. Take things slowly, don’t always tick at 100km/h. Try to think of things you’re looking forward to in the not too distant future like holidays etc if you have any planned.

I know it’s a massive battle when you’re feeling like you are, with all these symptoms happening but you need to stay on top of things because that downward spiral is disastrous and I don’t wish it on anybody.

Hope you’re doing alright?

Cheers,

Sharpie

[Tense_Sez]

Hey again Sharpie,

I know the feeling all too well, my Dec-Jan has worked me at every possible angle and I currently have a couple weeks off, but am feeling like I once was.

I think you're definitely onto something when you say that it builds up sub-consciously, until the point we actually notice physical symptoms, the feelings of stress have dissipated since.

I'd like to hear more about your meds and diagnosis - what you had to go through to get to where you're at if you feel like it, i'd be really interested.

Cheers,

Sez

[blondguy]

Hi Sez!

you are proactive with your health and thats a huge step towards having some peace of mind

There are many people (including myself) that have had the tight chest and shortness of breath. I understand you are busy yet I have provided the copy & paste link of 'Annabays' 'Physical Symptoms of Anxiety' thread below for you

www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/anxiety/what-physical-feelings-of-anxiety-do-you-get

Shortness of breath is a very common symptom of anxiety

I hope you have a good weekend

Paul