breathing

[Carri]

I have been unable to relax to take more than a shallow breath since Tuesday. When this happens to me I can't yawn but I feel like I need to constantly. I haven't yawned since monday. This has been happening off and on for over a year, almost 2. I've been to the dr. and nothing is wrong that is causing this, this is not from my astha but the stress of it causes me to have asthma issues and then the albuterol makes me more edgy. I am so on edge when this happens that if someone clears their throat near me my whole body tenses up like they popped out of the closet to scare me. My kids touching me stresses me when normally this relaxes me. I have tried hot baths, aroma therapy, relax promoting herbal teas, and massages. If anyone has any help or ideas I would really appreciate it. I am almost desperate to have this stop. Thanks

[Agaliha]

:hugz:


I know the feeling with the breathing. :shaker: I had this problem since I was a child--it used to give me panic attacks when I was 4/5 years old, that and concentrating on my heart beat (I had somatic fears all my life,which lead to my Hypochondria issues). My near drowning when I was around 6 didn't help the situation. I freak out when I can't take a deep/proper breath and like you, I often end up taking shallow breaths and yawning to get a deep breath (or at times feel like I needed to, but couldn't complete the action). There was a time when the only way I could take a deep breath was to yawn. It's cased by stress with me as well, when I'm more tense it acts up. I also get a swallowing problem too, where I don't swallow properly and I feel like I'm choking. I even saw an ENT about it...and he basically hinted that it was stress too. For me it's almost impossible to relax on my own, it's like not part of my make up-- I'm always tense. Which is annoying.

I have found when I get the breathing/stress issue that a heating pad on my upper back and/or chest helps ease the muscles and eventually I can breathe normally. Also, it sounds really hard, but finding a way to distract yourself is a must. When I don't, I concentrate of the problem and it gets worse. If there's something you can do that puts your mind off things, do it. I got relief once with doing tons of word-searches and cross-stitch.

I'll see if I can think of anything else!

As for the other issues, it sounds like you're hyper alert and sensitive to things. Have you talked to someone about the stress and panic that you've been experiencing, a counselor or therapist?

[Bettie]

I get that too, sometimes - even though I know it's mostly psychosomatic, it's still awful to get that "must get air" feeling. The only thing that works is to distract myself, usually by listening to music, or reading. I find that doing more common relaxation activities - meditating, aromatherapy etc. doesn't really work, because it gives me time to think about what's happening, and thinking about it just exacerbates the problem. Distraction is really the only thing that works for me. :)

[Philosophia]

Sending healing, positive, and comforting energy to you! :hugz: