Need a little advice.
Here lately like that past month or so I have been really focused on my breathing. This is my biggest symptom of anxiety and I cannot take my mind off of it. Most of the time it feels like I cannot get a deep breath and I have a hard time breathing with my diaphragm when I am standing. I usually only breath with my diaphram when I am lying down or reclined in a chair. I have a couple of hobbies and when I am engaged in those I forget all about it and am fine. But as soon as I stop I get focused on my breathing again and cant seem to shake it. This is all the worst when I am driving or riding in a car I get my breath so out of whack that it is almost unbearable and it is hard for me to get it back on track unless I completetly occupy my mind on something else. I have been able to shake every other symptom except this one. Anyone else ever have this problem.
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Guest
Oh yes, breathing is a biggie for me too. I think you've already found the solution. When I start focusing on my breathing, I too have trouble. And as you've noted, when I'm distracted, my breathing returns to normal and I begin to feel better. So my advice is to find a way to distract yourself while you're in difficult situations like driving. One of the techniques I use is to do math problems in my head. For example, start with 140 and subtract 7 from it repeatedly until you get to zero (140, 133, 126, 119 ...) It's just enough to distract myself from my breathing. Give it a try!
Jamie
Jamie
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Guest
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Guest
When I read these posts I remember the days I used to have all these different symptoms.
I used to have one or two symptom at a time. Lump in throat, breathing, dizziness, feeling imbalanced.
I think most of you have found a good temporary relief which is distraction. Problem however is that once that distraction is gone you think, so what was wrong with me before? oh right breathing...
There is no quick and easy way around this and if anyone tells you there is, I would not listen to them. I used to hear people saying that deep and slow breaths can help etc... Problem is even if they work they are only temporary.
I strongly believe the only thing that can help is for you to understand that this is only and only a phase which will pass after a while. It won't kill you, it is not dangerous. Just for peace of mind go get yourself medically checked. After that once the breathing problems happen don't pick on it and don't try to stop it. Let it run it's course. The more you pick on it, the more important it becomes and the more important it becomes, the more you think about it... Your goal is to let it run it's course and see there is no danger and therefore reducing it's value.
I used to have one or two symptom at a time. Lump in throat, breathing, dizziness, feeling imbalanced.
I think most of you have found a good temporary relief which is distraction. Problem however is that once that distraction is gone you think, so what was wrong with me before? oh right breathing...
There is no quick and easy way around this and if anyone tells you there is, I would not listen to them. I used to hear people saying that deep and slow breaths can help etc... Problem is even if they work they are only temporary.
I strongly believe the only thing that can help is for you to understand that this is only and only a phase which will pass after a while. It won't kill you, it is not dangerous. Just for peace of mind go get yourself medically checked. After that once the breathing problems happen don't pick on it and don't try to stop it. Let it run it's course. The more you pick on it, the more important it becomes and the more important it becomes, the more you think about it... Your goal is to let it run it's course and see there is no danger and therefore reducing it's value.
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Guest
Helpless,
I agree & to just keep telling ourselves this is only anxiety. It will pass. I think counting 1-1000,2-1000 on the inhale & to 4 on the exhale is also helpful. I also tell myself that God is with me now & forever & with his help I can & will change.
I started the program in April '09, & the past couple of weeks have been wonderful. You can check my past posts to see what a mess I was.
Last night I had a cookie & ice cream sandwich which if I do have sugar I usually have it early in the day. Well I awoke @ 3:00 & had anxiety for the first time in about 2-3 weeks. I just talked myself through it. THIS STUFF WORKS.
So keep at everyone & you will be glad you did.
Lyla
I agree & to just keep telling ourselves this is only anxiety. It will pass. I think counting 1-1000,2-1000 on the inhale & to 4 on the exhale is also helpful. I also tell myself that God is with me now & forever & with his help I can & will change.
I started the program in April '09, & the past couple of weeks have been wonderful. You can check my past posts to see what a mess I was.
Last night I had a cookie & ice cream sandwich which if I do have sugar I usually have it early in the day. Well I awoke @ 3:00 & had anxiety for the first time in about 2-3 weeks. I just talked myself through it. THIS STUFF WORKS.
So keep at everyone & you will be glad you did.
Lyla
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Guest
Welldone. You have made good progress. keep the momentum up.Originally posted by Layha Rae:
Helpless,
I agree & to just keep telling ourselves this is only anxiety. It will pass. I think counting 1-1000,2-1000 on the inhale & to 4 on the exhale is also helpful. I also tell myself that God is with me now & forever & with his help I can & will change.
I started the program in April '09, & the past couple of weeks have been wonderful. You can check my past posts to see what a mess I was.
Last night I had a cookie & ice cream sandwich which if I do have sugar I usually have it early in the day. Well I awoke @ 3:00 & had anxiety for the first time in about 2-3 weeks. I just talked myself through it. THIS STUFF WORKS.
So keep at everyone & you will be glad you did.
Lyla
As I mentioned before, don't be afraid of the symptom. Let it do whatever it is doing. Believe it or not after a while it will go away.
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Guest