Breathing difficulties when anxious which is most of the time. What do I do?

[Monicas]

Hi everyone.
I am Monica.
I have been suffering really bad anxiety the past 7months. It is taking over my daily life.
I am at the point where I am giving up.
The worst symptom I get for anxiety is difficulty breathing easily like I have to keep taking deep breaths. And some breaths I can't catch properly. Makes me feel Like I am not getting enough air.
Any info would be great.
Will this ever go away or am I stuck with it for life?
Thanks

[Gambit87]

Hi Monica,

sorry to hear your anxiety is affecting you this way

Some of these strategies help me when I'm feeling anxious

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety/treatments-for-anxiety/anxiety-management-strategies

when I'm feeling panicy I try to focus on something and breath in count to 3 and breath out count to 3. it usually helps me.

I highly recommend talking with your GP aswell,

I hope you're feeling better today 🙂

[Step_Twelve]

Hi there,

I also experience that awful feeling of not getting enough air. It's quite a common anxiety symptom and has a name: Dyspnea. I've seen it come up many times on these forums, particularly in the topics where people discuss their symptoms:

what physical feelings of anxiety do you get?
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/permalink/qvM9MXHzvGGEbv8AAOnT_A

For me, the feeling usually passes after a minute or two, and it happens a lot less when I'm busy or focussed on something else. In general, it's a sign that my anxiety is heightening and I have to consider my usual management techniques for my overall wellbeing: sleeping enough, getting some good cardio exercise, eating well, etc.

Are you stuck with it for life? Absolutely not. It's entirely possible to manage and improve anxiety symptoms, and there are lots of options for doing so. Gambit87 has listed some great strategies, and I agree with the recommendation to bring it up with your GP.

Take care,
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