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Heavy chest anxiety

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Posted 12/6/2017 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
What do you all do to help? I’m trying to breathe and relax but I can’t shake this feeling. People say to ignore it and move on but how if my chest is tight? I hate anxiety so much....doesn’t help I’m at work and can’t go lay down. cry
Posted 12/6/2017 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
H.,

I am sorry that you're struggling today. I hate this symptom as well. :/

Here is a link to one of my most powerful tools...positive/rational thinking. The fearful thoughts that our physical symptoms cause increase/perperuate the cycle of anxiety.

Repeating something along the lines of, "I am okay, this is just anxiety causing this sensation" should really help.

Positive Mantra/Affirmations for Anxiety Management

anxietynetwork.com/content/coping-statements-anxiety

Peace and progress,

S.C.
Posted 12/6/2017 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi dear

I.was about to post also I just had fully blown panic attack just now tried my coping skills but it just becane worse ..I had to drive around the block in this heavy rain Mind u I don't even have benzo for relieve ...my boyfriend even came over..that how scare I was....have taken a something tocal you DowTv..
Posted 12/7/2017 3:39 PM (GMT 0)
Try some yoga poses/stretching with the breathing. Whenever I would feel any chest tightening, I would do stretches along with the diaphragmatic breathing. In essence, it was like playing a trick on my mind. When I stretched and breathed deep, I was able to "show my mind" that my chest is bigger and can expand more than it's letting me right now!

It didn't always work, but certainly helped.
Posted 12/14/2017 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
You will only find relief from your anxiety when you figure out what thoughts you are thinking that are creating the anxiety. Have you tried paying very close attention to what you are thinking about, anxiety does not just happen it is not a disease like cancer for example, anxiety is created triggered by what we choose to think about and focus on, it's a spider web that we get ourselves tangled up in. Simple breathing exercises are not the answer, first you have to figure out what the thoughts are that are creating the anxiety and work on those thoughts and understand what you are so afraid of smile When you are anxious ask yourself what am I so afraid of? you have to dig REALLY deep inside of yourself to unlock the secrets to the sources of your anxiety, it's not easy, its like finding buried treasure but once you unlock that chest it contains the answers.

Post Edited (MiseryGuts) : 12/13/2017 6:54:45 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/14/2017 4:15 PM (GMT 0)
@MiseryGuts- I’ve been waking up with anxiety. It’s like as soon as my alarm goes off my heart starts pounding. Morning anxiety then triggers a day of fear. My therapist has asked if its something I’m dreaming about? I don’t think it is, I don’t wake up remember what I dreamed about being bad or me being fearful of it. It’s been bad all week where even my xanax isn’t working. This morning I just started crying because at least when I cry I’m able to feel a different emotion other than the extreme anxiety. I literally have no idea what I’m fearful of other than waking up with anxiety and having it throughout the day. I don’t know how to stop it. I don’t know what to do to just stop it. Thank you all for your input....I’m trying to use breathing techniques and just relax. I’m at work right now but have a 3 day weekend ahead of me.
Posted 12/14/2017 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
H.,

Use all of the coping skills you can! Find what works, or what combination works for you. I went to the library (before I had this group and its Resources which you should also keep using!) and checked out every book I could on anxiety.

It took from each, what was helpful and applicable to me. I made photo copies of the sections that I felt were worth keeping...and essentially made myself a custom self help program.

You can do the same! By going through all of our self help here, on the web...or at your own library. With persistence, you will find what works for YOU, as an individual. smile

Stay encouraged! There is help and hope...and we are here to cheer you on along the journey. smile

S.C.
Posted 12/15/2017 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
Go to the bathroom, and take a five minute break in the stall. Do nothing in there. Just allow yourself a break, Stop "trying anything". Then, go back to work. Allow yourself to have this, tight chest. Don't focus on it. Allow it just to be. The more your trying to "get rid" of it, the worse it will be... So allow it, to be.
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