Hello and welcome to HealingWell. I am sorry to hear you are having problems with anxiety and yes, shortness of breath can be a sx of anxiety.
Hyperventilation is rapid or deep breathing that can occur with anxiety or panic. It is also called overbreathing, and may leave you feeling breathless. You, your friends, and family can learn techniques to stop you from hyperventilating when it happens and to prevent future attacks.
If you start hyperventilating, the goal is to raise the carbon dioxide level in your blood, which will put an end to most of your symptoms. There are several ways to do this:
- Get reassurance from a friend or family member to help relax your breathing. Words like "you are doing fine," "you are not having a heart attack," and "you are not going to die" are very helpful. It is extremely important that the person helping you remain calm and deliver these messages with a soft, relaxed tone.
- To increase your carbon dioxide, you need to take in less oxygen. To accomplish this, you can breathe through pursed lips (as if you are blowing out a candle) or you can cover your mouth and one nostril, and breathe through the other nostril.
I am glad to know your willing to give up the alcohol especially now that your on medications as alcohol is a depressant and does not mix with ADs or with Ativan.
Your family sounds wonderful so do ask you wife to help you get through this tough time and support you when the anxiety spikes.
Also I would suggest you look at seeing a therapist who can help you work through your issues and help you learn how to deal with anxiety. I have a therapist and she has helped me so much.
Kindly,
Kitt