Anyone with panic attacks/anxiety disorders ever feel like its hard to breathe?
December 15th, 2009
Healthy Guy asked:
Its not worrying me, because im trying to fave the fact i am a hypochondriac…..but someone mentioned that it may seem hard to breathe sometimes, even if not having a panic attack, simply because you have a lot of anxiety.
Its not worrying me, because im trying to fave the fact i am a hypochondriac…..but someone mentioned that it may seem hard to breathe sometimes, even if not having a panic attack, simply because you have a lot of anxiety.
Categories: Health Issues | Tags: Panic Anxiety, Panic Attack, panic attacks
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That’s a common side-effect. Sometimes fear of a panic attack causes the attack. I’ve even blacked out before during a panic attack. I thought I was dieing. It was as if all of the life was ****** out of me, then it all came back, suddenly.
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I always had a lot of anxiety, and yes, I think it does make it hard to breathe at times. I am being treated now and things are much better. I think that when we are anxious, we tense up more than we realize, and our chests just don’t expand like they should to take in air. During a full blown panic attack, yes, it will definitely feel hard to breathe.
Look, don’t suffer just because you think you’re a hypochondriac. Talk to a doctor and let them tell you whether there’s anything wrong with you! If there is something wrong, things can be a lot better with treatment!
Hi. Feeling like you can’t breathe is practically the definition of panic/anxiety attacks…hyperventillating is the primary symptom for many sufferers. (This is why you see people breathing in and out of small paper bags; trying to equalize the carbon dioxide….) Anyway, it’s not a necessary symptom…Telling yourself it’s just hypochonria will not keep the attacks from being real…IF it is, it’s little difference, since panic/anxiety originates mentally, not pysically, and then manifests as a physical symptom. You should be treated for these, if you have them, an attack at the wrong time can endanger you, and others sometimes (if you are driving, for instance..) I have a good friend that used to have blackouts. They were caused by anxiety. Good luck, and hope you get to felling much better, soon! }:>
it must be common cause i usually get it when i have a panic attack
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Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Yes anxiety and panic can distort your breathing making you short of breath or hyperventilate. If you want some self-help for your anxiety and panic attacks, try the following:
1.Breathe properly – if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at:
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads in you put “progressive muscle relaxation” into Google (e.g. lots of universities have them as free downloads)
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!