Breathing

[Alice762]

Is it normal that I only feel anxiety when I feel like I can’t breathe ? I have such a big fear of not being able to breathe and it’s that thought that causes me to have anxiety attacks and then actually struggle to breathe. I just constantly feel like I’m struggling to breathe and sometimes I just start to panic over it and it just makes it worse and I really don’t know what to do anymore

[Petal22]

Hi Alice762,

Im really sorry you are feeling this way I understand it would be difficult for you.

Have you thought about making an appointment with your gp and discussing how you are feeling and how anxiety is affecting your life?

You could do a mental health plan together this will enable you to see a psychologist who can give you many strategies for anxiety.

You really can learn how to manage your anxiety.

[geoff]

Hello Alice, I always suggest to ladies who are pregnant to practice blowing up balloons, doing this yourself may help you control your breathing.

Geoff.

[tranzcrybe]

Not breathing is a good reason to feel anxious, no doubt about that!
By focusing on how you are breathing, the body's natural (or 'unconscious') mechanism switches off, giving you the rudder (so to speak) to manually determine when and when not to breathe (such as in a dust storm or toxic air).
Taking your mind off your breathing will re-instigate the autonomous action. Paradoxically, try holding your breath to prompt the switch by necessity, find a distraction (drink a glass of water), or have a snack (where breathing is regulated automatically between mouthfuls and swallowing).