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Posted 9/16/2009 10:43 PM (GMT 0)
Has anyone started to focus on every breath they take. I have been dealing with this for 2 months and I feel like this will never go away. I just waoke up one day and noticed my breathing.if you've had this problem how did you get over it.
Thanks!
Quin
Posted 9/16/2009 11:04 PM (GMT 0)
This is my consistent symptom and I HATE IT!!!! I can get it to resolve someof the time by thinking in my head "normal people just BREATHE so just DO IT!"...I constantly remind myself that breathing is a natural and normal thing and to stop stressing about it! It is easier said than done though=) I also try to focus on breathing from my belly and when all else fails and I feel like I am going to hyperventilate, I breathe in my nose and out my mouth....

Good luck to you=)

Beth

Posted 9/17/2009 6:43 AM (GMT 0)
Yes I have this now and again. I always get scared I'll hyperventilate. I don't like NOT having control of that stuff. This doesn't always work, but try to feel happy/look forward to something, no matter how small. Like I look forward to watching MASH at 4am, no joke. Think of anything else; call someone you like talking to. Yes, I know the downward spiral that can happen by just thinking of breathing!
Posted 9/17/2009 11:23 AM (GMT 0)

Good Morning,

I know it sounds strange to practice breathing exercises when breathing is your problem however this simple belly breathing technique may help prevent hyperventilating.

Belly Breathing  Exercise

1. Lie on your back and place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest.

2. As you inhale, fill your belly with a slow, even breath, and watch your hand rise on your belly and stay still on your chest.

3. Exhale gently and watch you hand fall as you slowly and evenly breathe out.

4. Repeat for five minutes and practice every single day.

Use this technique when you are under stress for relief. It is also important to practice this breathing technique when you are not under stress. Practice when you are watching TV, sitting at a stoplight, before you fall asleep, or during breaks from work. Practicing when you are not stressed will enhance you well-being and give you mastery over the exercise so that when you need it you will be confident in your skills.

Take care,

Kitt

Posted 9/18/2009 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I also go through phases of focusing on my breathing, usually when my anxiety has kicked in over something else and then I realize my breathing is quick and shallow. I've been trying to "remember" to breathe properly on a daily basis, especially when I have a lot going on so hopefully I won't hit that downward spiral we all know so well. I too practice the belly breathing lying down when it gets really bad!!

Posted 9/19/2009 12:32 PM (GMT 0)
      I know what your going through and it SUCKS, I can just be sitting or riding in the car and I notice every breath it's like my brain is saying in out in out, It's horrible I always tell my husband why does most people just breath but to me it is a thinking process, what I do is tell myself it's just your anxiety and I try to get interested in something else, like a TV show anything that will take your mind off it. Good Luck and if anyone has a better method would love to hear it cause I hate this.

Posted 9/19/2009 11:10 PM (GMT 0)
Quin,

It is really helpful to practice whatever techniques you want to try when you aren't anxious as well. My therapist encouraged me to do this, for precisely the reason Kitt gave: when the technique becomes easy and second-nature, you can use it much more successfully under stress because you don't have to concentrate on how to do it.

Good luck!

The long-absent percycat
Posted 9/20/2009 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
yes i have done this alot this weekend!  makes me feel crazy!  i hate it!!!  ugh   the more you think about it the worse it seems. 

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