HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Feeling like I can't breath...

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/21/2015 2:37 PM (GMT 0)
I am having a lot of trouble with not being able to breath. I know it is anxiety, and I will be fine most of the day. But I can just be laying on the couch watching TV and then I will have a hard time breathing, it lasted for an hour or so last night. It was better if I laid on my back stretched out. It felt like someone was sitting on my chest and had their hands on my neck. I wish I could just be normal and stop being this way, but it's so hard when things happen when I'm not having anxiety.

I had my first CBT appointment on Thursday, and she told me to think of my negative thoughts as beach balls, and if you try to push them underwater - they will pop back up when you aren't trying to keep them under. She said to pull them up and pop them. Trying to think of things other than cancer that can cause my symptoms, and anxiety is it. I just can't get rid of the symptoms :(

I have a lot going on right now, and I know that it is contributing to everything. We are moving next weekend (money stress), my last day of my 2.5 year job is next weekend also (going to be very hard), I start my new job on April 6th, and all of these symptoms top it all off. I feel I am going crazy.

I don't know how to tell the difference between actual symptoms or psychosomatic symptoms... Do I go to the doctor again, or just wait it out? I don't knooowwwww!

Watching this guy helped and if you have time to watch this list of everything anxiety can cause, I would recommend it. /www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrLfQ6ipYYs
Posted 3/21/2015 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hi HB,

Great analogy that your therapist gave you! So true! Pop those beach balls.:)

I am really glad that you have gotten started with your CBT. It does take time though...so be patient with yourself and the process.

Have you been practicing breathing exercises for your bothersome symptom? I know it is strange, but practicing breathing will bring relief from the breathless feeling. Again, it takes time and consistency...but it will work.

I have a favorite breathing exercise and will post it if you like.

Hoping today is as worry free as possible!

S.C.

p.s. nice link...thnx for sharing.:)

Posted 3/21/2015 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Yes please do post it! I have been trying to breath from my stomach, instead of my chest.
Posted 3/22/2015 3:18 AM (GMT 0)
Here you are...sorry it took so long...busy day:) Hope you find it helpful! It does take some practice so be patient.

S.C.


The Divided Breath:

 

Imagine your lungs as having 3 parts. The bottom third, the middle, and top third. 

 

On the inhale fill the bottom third first, then the middle and finally the third. Make sure that this is one continuous breath, but divided, with a slight pause in between each third.

 

  Hold the breath in for 3-5 seconds if possible. Exhale in reverse. First blow out the top third, then the middle, and finally the bottom third of your lungs until all air is expelled.  (remember the pauses) 

 

Repeat several rounds for a toatal of about 10 minutes. Practicing this every day will not only give you control and structure to your breathing, it will strengthen and loosen the thoractic muscles, allowing better, more productive breathing, and relieving the chest tightness
Posted 3/22/2015 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I am pleased you have started CBT stick with it as it really does make a big difference.

SC has posted a good breathing exercise for you and you should find that effective.

I hope you feel better soon.

Hibee
Posted 3/23/2015 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hanban09

I feel your pain. I feel short of breath at times with anxiety. Thanks to CBT, I have the tools to handle it, but it is very scary and can really ruin a day--whether you are at work or at home!

I cope with it by telling myself it doesn't matter, my body will breathe on it's own. It doesn't need me to try and regulate it when I become conscience of it. I try to get busy and distracted. Interest is the enemy of tension. Try to find something that interests you and distracts you and you will begin relaxing.

Another thing I do is listen to my relaxation tapes. It slows my breathing and relaxes all of those tense chest muscles.

Good luck to you and RELAX :)
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply