Obsessive Breathing Disorder

SusantheChatterbox · Post by **SusantheChatterbox** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:00 pm

I have been very focused on how I am breathing and have been doing this for at least 5 or 6 years now. It has gotten worse this past year. I was wondering if anyone here also has this problem and if so would appreciate your description of how it feels and what you go through. It's like I am constantly tuned in to my breathing especially if I am laying down and trying to go to sleep. When I try to do anything like saying my prayers for example sometimes I literally catch myself having to pray around my breathing meaning that I have to pause till I take a breath. It's so hard to explain and I had never heard of obsessive breathing until a few days ago. If I keep busy doing something, like being on the computer, dishes, painting ceramics, etc. I don't notice it near as much as when I am trying to go to sleep at night. If anyone here knows what I am talking about and could relate their experiences with this please let me know. I am desperate to find others that know first hand what I am talking about and who could help me stop doing this. Thanks and God bless. Susan

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:25 pm

hey,ive noticed in the last couple of years my brething is difficult when ifocus on it.mine seems to be worse when i go to bed and when i get up.its like i cant get enogh air.but once i get out and start moving it goes away

it has to be an anxiety deal,ive been to the doctor and checked out o.k.and if it were something serious i dont think it would go away like that.

Paige... · Post by **Paige...** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:33 pm

I used to feel like that sometimes, when i was busy I didnt notice it as much, but when i was watching tv, or going to sleep i would almost go into panic mode because i felt like i would stop breathing for a few seconds. I found that doing breathing exercises helped. Firstly, are you breathing from you chest area or from your diaphram? Before bed I lay down and breathe in deep through my nose and watch my stomach rise, then hold it for a couple seconds, then exhale and watch my stomach come down. Doing this for even 10 minutes everynight will help you relax, and make it easier to fall asleep. Eventually you will just automatically breathe this way, and in my case, not worry so much about obsessive breathing disorder

Hope this helpss

jadee

~HealthyMe~ · Post by **~HealthyMe~** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:47 pm

It sounds to me like you are too focused on your breathing. When you have something to do or your brain is likewise engaged in something, you don't notice it. However, when your brain is inactive, you target right in on breathing. I think this is similar to an exercise I learned once about "focus". Do something like pinch the skin on your forearm...then focus on this pinch spot and stay focused on it. Do you feel more aware of your arm then any other part of your body? I think that is the same thing you are doing with breathing. When you start to focus on it either instead tell yourself that you are worried about nothing and are breathing fine or find something to distract yourself. From a CBT standpoint, the first option goes to addressing the fallacy head on whereas the second option just continues the belief that something is wrong. If a doctor has said nothing is wrong, then it is just your too focused on it....it isn't easy to break that conditioning but the first step, and every step after, is to keep telling yourself that you are breathing fine. Remember to note the evidence: are you passing out? Can you run down the street? Are you able to talk without stopping for a long breath? Then the evidence says you are fine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 4:58 pm

Thank you for all of your replies. I can't run anywhere thanks to my arthritis and being out of shape. I can do housework but I have to sit down at times especially if I start getting to hot. Some days I can do my housework and be okay but other dayswhen I am really stressed out or worried about something I really get short of breath doing anything. I know its all anxiety related and I think menopause is helping the anxety to be even higher than normal. I just pray to God that I will soon get myself under control and to where I feel human again. Thanks again everyone I really appreciate your feedbacks.

God bless,
Susan

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:22 pm

I get the same way, especially in the heat. Just do your breathing exercises and try to acknowledge what is really bothering you. I know it is easier said than done. I am struggling with this too and some days are worse than others. My breathing becomes normal when I am distracted. I feel better when I call a friend and talk (about something else other than my anxiety). Hope that helps.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Aug 29, 2008 5:34 pm

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Maybe these links can help you a little bit. I understand how you feel. You know I dont know if you posted about this before on this site or another site but i have read a post where a woman was doing the exact same thing. She was breathing along with the music she would play or something like that. . it sounds just like you though. Let me know, ok

mmk22 · Post by **mmk22** » Mon Sep 01, 2008 9:17 am

Yes I can realate. I used to be obsessed about my breathing. Still am at times, but nothing like before. It is just another little obsession that we must get over.

For me, I was obsessed about forgetting to breath and not being able to breath naturally.