Unclear Symptom

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-14-2003
Unclear Symptom
2
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 9:40am
Hi,

I have recently been diagnosed with depression and have the majority of the sypmtoms. But now, I am feeling a tightness around my throat and breathing area alot of the time. Is that another symptom as well?? If so, is there anyting I can do to relieve this discomfort? (I also started taking celexa a week ago and can't really notice and difference)

Thank you for your help:)

Nadia

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: nads199
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 11:20am

Im not an anxitey expert by any means, but that is what it sounds like to me hun.

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-01-2004
In reply to: nads199
Tue, 08-03-2004 - 3:42pm
Hello. I can totally relate to the tightness in your chest & throat. When I first started having anxiety/depression, I felt like my chest was so tight I couldn't exhale all the way, & my throat would get so tight I couldn't swallow. The feeling like I couldn't breath was very scarey & contributed to the anxiety even more. My therapists helped me learn to ride the anxiety attack out, knowing it won't last forever helped me to learn to relax & do deep breathing until I had control again. Deep breathing is a slow, controlled inhale through your nose and then a long, slow exhalation out through your mouth, until your breathing is comfortable again. It might take 5 minutes, it might take 30 minutes to get control again. The more you do it, the easier it gets. Breathing helps your heartrate to slow down also.

As for the medication- some of the meds do take 2-3 weeks before you notice a difference. If you don't notice an improvement, be sure to talk w/ your doctor. He/she might change the dosage or the medication all together. Good luck!!!! Karla