this is whats been freaking me out lately

Nyyankee2986 · Post by **Nyyankee2986** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 10:16 am

I dont know if there are any other smokers in this program or not but.. I've been a smoker for almost 5 yrs I smoke about a 1/2 a pack a day. About 1 & 1/2 yrs ago I was at the lake w/my family & we went to this jump which is down like a mountain well when we got to the top I felt like I was having an asthma attack, I drank some water & was fine, well a few months after that I was going to a concert for like my favortie band ever & as we walking up to our seats I had another episode where I felt like a couldnt breathe but this was like in the ghetto in an enclosed place so I figured it was anxiety. Well now it feels like more & more Im very short or breath & Im not sure if alot of it is anxiety or if I have a serious problem w/my lungs like emphazema! My mom says I'm to young to have that & shes a smoker to & sometimes has those issues but I like totally freaked out now & all the time try to pay attention to my breathing & I dwell on it. I also noticed that anxiety can cause shortness of breath so Im just wondering if anyone else has this issue? & I know smoking is bad for you but w/my anxiety I think that right now isnt the best time to try to stop or I'll totally wig out!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 10:40 am

Hey, Yank, I've been a smoker and anxious. Sounds like you have a little of both going on. With a little exertion you feel the small effect of smoking a 1/2 pack a day, and the anxiety kicks in as you as yourself "What's causing this -- LUNG DISEASE!?" You notice that you wonder to yourself, but that wondering is asking yourself a useless question. Tony Robbins warns against asking yourself the "wrong questions," because whatever you ask yourself, your mind will dig up an answer. (Will I die if I don't lose a hundred pounds!?) will make me crazy if I seriously ask myself. Then I will huff and puff at the top of a stairclimb and wonder, "Is this a heart attack!"? or I can not ask those or ask other questions. "Is a hundred pounds making suck wind on my apartment steps? Yep." No panic.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:56 am

You both should really stop smoking. So many people die every year from it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 11:59 am

You both should really stop smoking. So many people die every year from it, although your breathing problem probably is just anxiety.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 06, 2009 1:25 pm

Hello Yankee. I am a two pack a day smoker(over 25yrs) and a pro singer.I am very "aware" of my breathing patterns. My Dr. agrees that until I get a grip on my anxiety and panic, now is NOT the time to just quit. Smoking is a physical and emotional addiction. Unless quitting is not big deal to you, it takes baby steps, just like this program. Many of us here are very aware of body symptoms and we have the tendency to focus on them. I get dizzy on stage sometimes and even just sitting around the house. It means you just have to breathe easy, relax and flow. I find that just remembering what's on the relaxation tape is very helpful. Ten deep breaths. You will not pass out and you will be just fine in few minutes:) Hope this is helpful!

jess23 · Post by **jess23** » Mon Feb 02, 2009 11:19 pm

I just quit smoking 4-5 months ago. I'd been contemplating for a long time. Smoker for about 30 years. they cost too much, make you sick in the end and my kids bugged me all the time. Having said all that, I had to want to quit for me, not for everyone else. It helped me to tell myself that after a year or so I will get to buy a horse for myself. something to look forward to. I used generic brand nicotene (?) patches. followed the program, and everything went fine. Still feel the urge occasionaly, but it passes.