scared again :(

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
scared again :(
8
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 3:08pm

I seem to be going back to having breathing problems again, and I think it's all anxiety related. I was having problems a few months ago which escalated into daily panic attacks, and fear of leaving the house. Ever since I recovered from that episode I am really focused on my breathing all the time. I feel like I can't breath in deep, even though im obviously breathing as im still able to work out and leave the house. I dont know what to do, the past few weeks have been really hard, im constantly monitoring my breathing, and the more i worry about it, the more i notice my difficulty breathing in deep. I think there's a lot on my mind lately because the new semester is about to start, and im teaching again, and have to finish my master's thesis and start worrying about PhD programs...I dont know, i feel overwhelmed, and the breathing problems i think are the manifestation of that. i feel really on edge, im dropping everything and unable to sit still. yesterday i dropped dinner on ifloor TWICE! Im just really glad im going to see a psychologist tomorrow finally,

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 3:38pm

Hey Mia,


geeze, I'm so sorry that you are having a hard time. BUT the good thing is that you do have triggers and you reconize them. I know it doesn't make it easier to deal with but reasurring that you have a reason.


All you can do right now is focus on deep breathing and positive self talk. You will be great after you see the pdoc tomorrow. That always makes me feel better.


Let us know how it goes and in the meantime if you need to chat let me know...


(((HUGS)))

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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-08-2004
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 4:57pm
Hey Mia. Im sorry you are going through this. I remember when I was having 'breathing problems' (even though it was perfectly fine). For 2 days straight, I held my head against my chest because I thought I had a hole in my throat and by doing that I was closing it up. Luckily, my lexapro has gotten rid of this for me, but when I first started it/before I was on it, for 2 weeks in a row I basically sat in my room and listened to myself breath. It felt like I couldn't get a 'satisfying' breath. It is so crappy and I am so sorry you are going through this--Ive been through the exact same thing. If I were you, just to make you feel better (this is what I did), go to your GP and tell them you have anxiety, but you are having breathing problems and you want to make sure it is anxiety and not anything else. OH! I forgot...when I went to the GP, they gave me an albuteral inhaler, and it opened up my tense airways more and THATS what got me through that. I totally forgot until now lol. Anyways, I dont use it anymore, but it got me through some tough times. Good luck and I hope you feel better!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 6:42pm
Sorry to hear this, Mia. You have indentified your stress, continue to work out & are going to the psychologist. IMHO, you're doing everything right. Sometimes these spells of anxiety hang on. It may take time to burn itself out. It never happens soon enough. There is no magic bullet. I would send you one if I could. For now, just
 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 8:02pm

Hi Mia,

I know exactly how you feel. Sometimes it feels like an elephant is sitting on your chest. Right?? The more attention you pay to your breathing, the worse it gets. If you could possibly do something to relax you, like take a warm bath, or read to get your mind off things, you might be able to take your focus off the breathing and what is stressing you out. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate right now. Remember, things always come in waves. Please know that the best thing you did was reach out and vent. If you don't, it is so possible to feel like you are suffocating. Try to ride this wave out, and know that you always have us over here to help you through it. Soon the "elephant" will be lifted, and you will get some more balance in your life. Best of luck. JD

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 9:35pm
((((( Mia)))))
I hate that feeling and know it well.
That is a biggie for me also. But you have
not suffocated nor have I sooooooooooo
we got to keep it together! Are you breathing
the right way??? ASK JAN she explains it best!
YOU HAVE A LOT GOING ON!!!
Do whatever you can to relax! Hugs, Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Wed, 08-24-2005 - 10:00pm

thanks ya'll for the support. I am feeling better tonight than I was earlier, guess i was just having a little attack earlier, it's a good thing im going to go see a pdoc tomorrow. my bf and I went to a Yankees game tonight, and the weather was beautiful, it helped alleviate my mind a bit.....now that im home though im thinking about it again. grrr.


Judy, I know im not breathing the right way, my lsat pdoc already established that for me! but it's so hard to get used to the nose breathing, it doesn't feel natural.


Btw, katie i also used to uise an enhaler like that, but one of its side effects is that it makes you jittery, and it only contributed to my anxiety. figures :)


well, I hope everyone is doing well this evening,


Mia

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2004
Thu, 08-25-2005 - 12:55am
Hi Mia! I am so glad you are feeling a little more at ease tonite. I have to tell you, I intended to post earlier in the week about your pdoc situation. I agreed with what one of the gals said regarding that first guy you made the appt with(was that you SheriAnn?)...I think you did the right thing cancelling the appt. with him.
If you didn't feel comfortable from the initial talk on the phone, I would think it would be hard to feel comfortable telling him personal things...At least it would have been for me. The alternative you found sounds like a terrific person,and you seemed so much more relaxed in your post describing the situation with that 2nd pdoc. I wish you much luck tomorrow. I bet you will feel better once your appt is over. Please let us know how it goes k?
I'm thinking of you! hugs, shasta
P.S. OMG! I am SO jealous! I would love to go to a YANKEE'S GAME! NO FAIR! :0p
I don't watch sports hardly at all,but I will watch the YANKEE'S! I even have my own hat, and dh just bought me a T to wear a couple days ago! So I can be all 'decked out' in my Y Gear! (Am I a geek or what?!?) LOL!
I live in Oregon, so this is funny that I love the Yankee's so much! But I do! :0D


Edited 8/25/2005 3:04 am ET ET by shastagold
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-10-2005
Thu, 08-25-2005 - 1:11pm
i thought i was the only one who felt like i couldn't get a full breath and felt wheezy when anxiety was
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