Difficulting Catching Breath...

[Astarz487]

Hello.

For the past few days, I have had a hard time breathing/catching my breath. I have been going through a really stressful time, but this is, of course, terrifying me.

I had the same (or rather, a similar) issue back in late November. I drove myself to Urgent Care because I had a million things running through my mind, the main one being, "am I going to die?". However, after an EKG (which came back with top-notch results) and an x-ray, the doctor told me I was "hyperventilating". I am a smoker, so she of course lectured me about it, but said other than that, everything was as it should be, and my breathing issue was purely anxiety-related.

However, here it is... again. I've had GAD and Panic Disorder since I was 16 years old. I am now 24 (one month shy of being 25). In all the years I've had these disorders, I have never had this breathing problem before until the last few months. Sure, I have experienced shortness of breath or shallow breathing in the past 10 years from anxiety/panic attacks, but not for extended periods of time.

I do realize I am probably provoking it, because, let's face it... If something is wrong, that's the MAIN thing you're going to focus on, thus making it worse. I realize that.

But, I DO have GAD, which means even though I know something, doesn't mean it's going to make me feel any better, because as far as I'm concerned (mentally) something must be seriously wrong. (Gotta love how anxiety makes a person irrational!........)

I just hate this feeling. I've been experiencing it for a few days now, and of course, it's freaking me out. It just amazes me that something like this, that feels SO real, can all just me in my mind. That, in itself, is frightening for me.

I feel like it IS just in my head too, or it's a reaction to my GAD, because when I sleep, and when I first wake up (you know, when I'm still not fully awake) I breathe just fine.

I guess I am writing all of this because, let's face it... left alone to my own devices, I will conjure up a million different terrifying things, keep psyching myself out, and have my anxiety get worse. I just want to share what is going on with me, and wonder if anyone has (or is) experienced the same thing? If so, how long did it last? What did you do to stop it? Was it constant, or were you able to breathe fine on and off?

And, okay... I'm going to just throw this out there.... Can I have a hug? 

[jane134]

You sure can, Astarz!  ((((hugs))))

I love your logical thinking and im sure it isn't anything to worry about!! I know how GAD works, i have it myself. Sometimes i only have to think of a symptom and *poof* there it is!! Maybe try and cut back on the smoking? It might help you psychologically, as well as your health of course! Never mind your purse!

Take care....and i am sorry i couldn't add anything else to this. Sounds like you've got it pretty much figured out by yourself :)

[LindaRK]

HUGE hugs to you!

I've had this same thing since before Christmas. Comes and goes - it's mostly there all the time.  I hate it.  I've had it before, but never this long.  I've got alot of stress going on.  Probably more than I want to admit and I'm just about 100% sure that is what is contributing to it.

Maybe the same with you?

[Astarz487]

Awwww!! Thanks so much, Jane and Linda! {{{HUGE HUGS for BOTH of you!}} I really appreciate your comments! This website has some really sweet-hearted people on it! (I just joined today... so, yeeees, I'm a neeeewbie. LOL)

0213 Jane: Ya know, the odd thing about me is that I am a relatively logical person most of the time, UNTIL my anxiety strikes. Then, I'm just an irrational mess! I try to BE logical even during those times, but as anyone with GAD knows, it's DIFFICULT! You're absolutely correct about the smoking thing. Believe me, I have wished MANY a time that I had neeeeever even started. It's especially hard for me to quit because OF my anxiety. Nothing else seems to calm me as much (instantly, anyway) as a cigarette. =\ I desperately wish that wasn't the case...

0213 Linda: I completely understand! Stress is different for those of us with anxiety disorders. It affects on an entirely different level. Like I mentioned, I've had GAD for a pretty long time (almost a decade) and this whole "I can't catch my breath" thing is a new symptom for me (don't you just love how you can develop NEW symptoms? Just when you think you have it figured out, or it's as bad as it can get, BAM! You develop some new AWESOME symptom......) *makes a wry face* I'm sorry things have been stressful for you, hun. =\ I can definitely attest to the fact that my life has been more stressful the last few months as well.

0213 BOTH Jane and Linda: If either of you ever need someone to talk to, all you need to do is message me! You both seem like wonderful ladies, and it makes me feel so much better knowing that "Hey, I'm really NOT alone in all of this." Sometimes, the best way to forget your own problems, is to listen to the problems of others. =) So just remember, there is someone here who will be here for you!

GAD might feel like a curse, but you know what? It's also a bond. No one will ever understand you better than someone who has been there, and while I loathe the fact that anyone ever has to experience anxiety, if it means I can help others, then that at LEAST gives it some meaning. =)

Thank you again, ladies! {{{HUGS}}}

[LindaRK]

You are so sweet!  Yep, I'm a "lifer" anxiety-suffered.  Just about 35 years now ...... started when I was about 20.  I've had symptoms re-occur - this one a long time ago.  I sure don't like it this time around.

[wolff-ett]

I am not a smoker, however,

You know that this is because of your GAD and there's nothing "actually wrong" like you've said. But when your trying to deside if your going to let yourself or if your going to forse yourself to "cut back," like really? What's going to be worse, a cigurett or a complete melt down that you can stop before it happens with a destraction like a cigurett. If you have one before it gets bad bad you won't need half a pack to recover.

:) us addicts (accedomediphan) got to stick together lol

[Astarz487]

Linda: Wow, 35 years of anxiety... That sounds like such a long time (in anxiety years lol). I'm sure you've had periods of normalcy. We all do (well, I hope anyways). I know for a couple of years there, my anxiety hardly bothered me at all. I wasn't even on medication. For some reason, when I did experience anxiety, it was very mild. However, the past two years have been very rocky for me, anxiety-wise. The funny thing is, I AM on meds now. However, because of my sleeping schedule, and how chaotic it is, I often forget to take my meds. I'll even forget what time I DID take them the day before... which makes it even harder, because obviously I don't want to "double dose". In any case, as I was saying (lol), 35 years of anxiety makes you an expert in my book! What, in your experience, has been the most helpful aid in dealing with your anxiety?

wolff-ett: I do know what you mean, however, while cigarettes might calm me down AS I smoke them, they are still not enough to rid me of my anxiety. A lot of it IS my addiction to them. Let's face it though, cigarettes are not healthy. When I am able to get my anxiety under control once more, I am going to quit. I, of course, encourage you to do the same with your addiction. Our addictions might help us in the short-term, but in the long-term, they are doing much more harm than good. You know? Just some food for thought. There are other, HEALTHIER, ways of alleviating the severity of our anxiety symptoms, it's just a matter of figuring out what those healthier ways are.

[wolff-ett]

I can see that. It's deffinatly probly not the best coping mechanism, but don't ware yourself out dealing with the ER staff if you possibly can. I've found in the long run if I can calm myself by myself, I stay better alot longer, while trips to the ER just get closer and closer together and the staff get less and less helpful. But I have heard that my state has particularly terrible health care and I forget lol. Don't mind me :)

[Astarz487]

lol I know what you mean. I think ER staffs purposely treat people like crap, if only to maintain their reputation. lol They aren't ALL bad, a lot of the nurses (in my experience) are pretty awesome. It's just the doctors... I never like the doctors. It's like, "hey buddy, I realize you're busy, but how about a little kindness, and some professionalism?" They treat people like it's a fast food restaurant: "get'em in and get'em out as quickly as you can!" =\

I also REALLY hate when my "doctor" doesn't speak very good English, comes in and sees me for MAYBE 3-4 minutes, and somehow has the gall to charge me $800.  I don't mind that my doctor is from another country, however, I do think if you're going to work, especially in the MEDICAL field, you could at least learn to speak decent English if you're going to work in America... Just my opinion. *shrugs*

[bluqanary]

I've experienced this as well. It usually tends to crop up when I start to eat, so I look like a weirdo taking strange deep breaths before every bite. And then I start to feel like I'm going to choke because of my strange breathing while eating routine. Not fun.

Obviously, mine's a little different from yours, but try to remember that you will never stop breathing. Even if you pass out (highly, highly unlikely), your body will start to breath again on it's own. I've had to have people tell me this as well, and it can be comforting to know. Also, have you ever worked on breathing exercises? Just close your eyes and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. In through your nose for about two long seconds, out through your mouth for about 4 seconds. It can help.

[Astarz487]

Blueqanary (love the spelling variation of your username!): Thank you for the tip! I will definitely try that! Also, you're right... as creepy as it is (lol) if I pass out, I will continue breathing, and that is a comforting thought. I still can't help but to obsess over this "breathing" issue, though.

I think my cat knows I'm stressed out, cause she's cuddling with me. (Usually, she doesn't like to cuddle because she would rather play! lol) Or maybe she's cuddling with me because I'm sitting in "her spot" on the couch. lol Hm.

[LindaRK]

Exercise helps alot - walking - staying occupied and busy.

I had alot of years where I had no anxiety or very little.  I think I'm having a bad period now because of hormones.  But, who really knows.  You just learn to deal with it.

[jane134]

You are really sweet, Astarz. You get an extra hug for that!! ((hug))

Linda is right. Exercise sure does help a lot. 

[rubylucinda]

I have this feeling almost at least once a day - I can't take a deep breath in, the breath feels caught between my lungs and my throat. I find that practicing diaphramatic breathing really helps me, taking a slow deep breath in through my nose while pushing my stomach out, and exhaling through my mouth and mentally saying the word "relax". Although this isn't a guaranteed fix, I definitely recommend it!

[1looneychick]

Hi   I have been having this happen to me on and off for months.  I wish I could help you but I have no idea why this happens (except anxiety)  or what to do about it.  Tests don't show anything wrong so I just try to breathe deeply and slowly and deal with it   Last week I was walking along with a friend of mine talking, perfectly fine and all of the sudden I just couldn't breathe.  I had to stop and lean over for  a few minutes and I was thinking , "ok, I am exercising, which usually makes me feel better, and now I am short of breath so I must be having a heart attack"  that is how my mind works   When I finally made it home I had a panic/anxiety attack for the rest of the day.  The weird thing is it only happens once in a while.  I walked 2 miles today and was fine.  Anyway, Here is another ((((hug))), I'm sorry you are having this- it is very scary.

[Sailor_moon]

Hey :)
I got teary eyed reading this. You are NOT alone. I'm mobile so I'll post a little more in a bit.