Is this feeling in my arms all part of feeling out of control?

[Ditapage]

I wish I could explain this... but when my anxiety level rises, and i start holding my breath and getting dizzy. there's this odd sensation in my arms. They're not shaking or jerking, but they feel numb or like i'm a rag doll, and it feels like I'm going to lose control. This, along with the dizziness is what makes sitting still in a room of people being quiet a real struggle. Is this all part of the anxiety? This doesn't even have to have anxiety set it off, sometimes it's caused by excitement.

[jane134]

That sounds normal to me, Ditapage. We release adrenaline when we are anxious and excited. Can i ask why you are holding your breath? The lack of oxygen will only contribute to the dizziness, which is yes, another VERY common anxiety symptom. Numbness and tingling are other common symptoms. Instead of holding your breath, try some 'belly breathing'. You can find lots of clips on how to do this on you tube. I am sure you will notice a difference. :)

[aliciaicila]

Either hypo OR hyperventilation can make your extremities tingly and cause you to feel dizzy. When I get anxious, I tend to HYPERventilate, and things get tingly. Before they knocked me out to dilate my esophagus, I was breathing so quickly that even my face and lips got numb and tingly. Try to consciously control your breathing when you are experiencing this. Deep, steady breathing should help. I know that, in me, the physical symptoms of my anxiety attacks make me panic more, and, in turn, make them last longer. Breathing is crucial when it comes to panic attacks. I learned some deep breathing techniques in therapy, which actually can help me stop panic attacks before they start if I catch them right at the beginning of the initial sensations of the adrenaline rush. It has been VERY helpful! Good luck to you! :)