Stress Center Peer Support

Hi All,

I finished the program in April. I had severe anxiety which led to depression. I am slowly weaning off of my meds and feel great about it. The program has been a lifesaver.

I do, however have one remaining problem. I am almost constantly aware of my own breathing. This developed during the worst part of my anxiety and has not gone away. It is better when I'm at work or when I am able to distract myself with something else, but it is really bad during quiet times or when I'm trying to relax. I fear that now it has just become such a habit that it won't go away and it's VERY annoying.

A lot of times people say to use your breathing to help you relax, but it has the opposite effect on me. Has anybody out there experienced this, and do you have any suggestions to make it better?

Thanks,
mchirnc

You are not alone on this I constantly am aware of my breathing. I think I'll forget how to breathe or something. Remember it's just your mind tricking yo into believing a false thought.

mc...this is also same for me my body has been used to being anxious all the time..if one body symptom goes away another one will pop out
and this includes the famous "lump in the throat feeling", "Constantly aware of breathing"....

its tough but you'll get over it...distract yourself it really works