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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/28/2015 6:32 PM (GMT 0)
Breathing is automatic right?, I wont stop breathing or something right?, is just that I tend to hiperventilate when Im nervous, and tomorrow I have a very important exam so Im scared of that happening to me
Posted 10/28/2015 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Siqnik,

It is so very common to forget to breath but this will not stop us from breathing. As an example: When exercising people tend to hold their breath without realizing it. When you are in an exercise class the instructor will say "breath in, breath out." This is done to remind the person to breath.

The same thing happens with anxiety/panic attacks. Our breathing becomes shallow or we may hyperventilate (breathing too fast) or hold our breath (forgetting to breath).

Don't focus on the fear of not breathing or hyperventilating but focus on normalizing your breathing. This can be done with, with practice, of proper breathing techniques.

If you are having a anxiety/panic attack and you are having trouble with your breathing get a lunch size PAPER bag. Put the opening around your nose and mouth and...breath in breath out, breath in breath out. This will allow your breathing to normalize.
Posted 10/28/2015 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Siq,

Breathing is a partially autonomic response. ..

...meaning, though we do have control over our breathing rate, and can hold our breath at will to some extent...

...at some point, our system will over ride a breathing issue when necessary. Even if you were to pass out from hyperventilation, your body would continue to breath on its own.

However...I am sure it will never even get to that point!!

With coping skills, including breathing exercises (such as those found in the Resources) you will learn to avoid breathing issues.

I hope your exam goes really well tomorrow. I am sure you'll do very well! :)

S.C.
Posted 10/28/2015 9:12 PM (GMT 0)
SC and Snoopy's responses are spot on. Anxiety may cause us to over focus on our breathing too much, breath too shallow or hyperventilate but the human body is awesome, it will not let us 'forget' to breath! It's not going to happen. I know you are going to therapy so continue to work with your therapist on this. Also, have you ever tried Yoga? Youtube is has tons of free classes. Yoga does focus on the breath but in a positive way. It may help. I'd suggest Yoga with Adriene's youtube channel. She's fun and laid back. Also good old fashioned distraction helps when we are too focused in on our bodily functions. Adult coloring books are all the rage now, they sell some really cool ones at book stores. I always find that playing Candy Crush really distracts me too. Hang in there!!!
Posted 10/28/2015 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, I really feel very supported, hope everyone is doing well

Post Edited (Siqnik) : 10/28/2015 4:23:06 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/29/2015 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Yay! I am glad you are feeling supported...that is what we are all about here.

Use your breathing/relaxation exercises and rock it out on your exam tomorrow...I know you will.:)

S.C.
Posted 10/29/2015 8:52 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Some great support and advice given above so I have nothing else to add apart from adding my encouragement. Keep us posted we are here for you.

Hibee
Posted 11/5/2015 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
Hi siqnik

The other members already had given good suggestions, there's pretty much nothing to say anymore. Let me just ask how your exam went? Let us know how you were able to handle your situation, it would really be inspiring for others to read stories about people being able to conquer their problems. So please do share your thoughts and insights.

This community really have active, helpful members, I'm so glad to be a part of a wonderful community.
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