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Posted 5/25/2009 6:46 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,

I just found these forums and wanted to ask a question.  Does anyone ever have the feeling you aren't getting enough air, or breathing right?  I have had this problem in the past, years ago, but am having it happen again for the first time in years.  I am feeling better now, but the first part of the day, I've felt starved for air.  I had to make myself breathe last night after turning on my back in bed.  I slept okay, so I guess everything is working right.

Thanks

Posted 5/26/2009 3:06 PM (GMT 0)
Anxiety/Panic can definetly cause the breathless feelings. I know when my anxiety is high I will lay down with a fan blowing in my face to give me the sensation of getting some air.

I find my Xanax helps when those feelings happen. Are you on any kinds of meds at all?

And welcome to the forum, we look forward to hearing more from you. We have a wonderful and loving group.

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 5/26/2009 3:21 PM (GMT 0)
I've had this feeling/sensation alot over the years.  It's miserable to feel that way, trying to get enough air into your lungs.  I know for me that there is noting physically wrong, it's just a tightening of the muscles in my chest causing it to feel like it's harder to breathe, so I try and keep that in my mind when it's happening...that it's just muscle tension and it cannot hurt me.  If you have any doubts, get a doctor to check you out, but if you find out it's another part of the anxiety, try to let it be there and remember it can't hurt you!
Posted 5/26/2009 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hello -

It's good to meet you all. I have a feeling that is exactly it, those nerves! I have been on Ativan for a number of years. It could be, it is time for a change. By reading your posts, it looks like that is what is going on. I have an appt. with my PCP July 1st, but I called them this morning about my episodes. She told me they would tell the Dr. and if he feels it is something that needs attention sooner, they will get me in sooner. I sure hope he will! I also have some gall stones.

I was once told they could cause me to feel tired. Maybe feeling tired is adding to the anxiety, maybe not, but I bet it isn't helping matters.

Thanks so much, and it is so nice to meet you both. I can tell there is a lot of love and caring here for sure!

Hugs to you both,

panicman47
Posted 5/26/2009 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hold your breath for as long as you reasonably can. You will notice that your body breathes for you no matter what. Your breathing may be off due to anxiety, but your brain kicks in and corrects it. I've had this feeling you're talking about. It's one of the scariest but it does go away.
Posted 5/26/2009 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Aries 8. I will sure try that. I went through this same thing back in about '95, and after being in the hospital with a temporary Xanax increase, it finally settled down. The Dr. did that to be sure my heart wasn't acting up. Thankfully it wasn't.

Thanks for some encouraging news! Nice to meet you, btw.
Posted 5/26/2009 11:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Panicman47, I notice when I"m anxious I don't breathe properly either. I have other symptoms that are more severe for me, and so I don't always remember to deepen my breathing. Actually the psych told me to slow my breathing down, not make it deeper. Also I breathe in for 4 and out for 5, if I'm wanting to relax or get to sleep. Or I count each out breath, and notice the stillpoint before my body breathes in again. I dont stay focussed on my breath for long before the thoughts come back, but at least I get a couple of breaths in. Good luck
Posted 5/27/2009 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, Grizzly pooh. That sounds like a good plan too. Well, thank God, I slept well and wasn't smothering at all! Woke up with plenty of air. No feeling like it.

I wish you well in doing lots better with this breathing thing we do. :-)
Posted 5/27/2009 2:23 PM (GMT 0)
panicman47

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  You have received some great words of wisdom from the members. 

Here is another sample of a breathing technique:

Three-Part Breathing

Find a place where it's quiet.

Sit in a straight back chair with both feet on the floor or lie on the floor with a straight spine.

Begin inhaling by expanding the abdomen (let it inflate like a balloon), then move the breath into your rib cage and, finally, all the way into your upper chest.

Exhale by reversing this action; begin at your collarbones and exhale down through your rib cage and into your abdomen. Contract your abdominal muscles as you finish exhaling.

You might find it helpful to lightly place your right hand on your abdomen and your left hand on your rib cage to help direct the breath on its journey.

Begin by practicing for one minute and then gradually lengthen the practice to five minutes.

This technique helps to eliminate shallow chest breathing and encourages full exhalation and inhalation.

Once again, there's no need to push yourself or judge yourself for being anxious. The idea is simply to be quiet for a short time and notice your breathing.

Take care and please do stick with us.  We are here to support you.

Kitt

Posted 5/27/2009 9:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hello, stkitt,

That sounds really great! Thanks so much for posting that for me. I will even print it off to refer to as I try that. It is nice to meet you too. I will hang right in. I am so impressed by all the caring and great advice here.

All the best -
Posted 5/27/2009 9:14 PM (GMT 0)

Good  to have you onboard.  We do love our new members. 

Kitt

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