[nervous1afraid]

i keep thinking im suffocating like i cant breathe in enough air and i try to swallow but feel like theres a lump in my throat and then i feel like im goin to be sick and i feel faint. i also get a feeling of pins and needles in the left side of my face and in the tops of my fingers on the left hand does anyone know what this is and how do i stop it from happening

[DreamerInState]

Originally Posted by nervous1afraid

i keep thinking im suffocating like i cant breathe in enough air and i try to swallow but feel like theres a lump in my throat and then i feel like im goin to be sick and i feel faint. i also get a feeling of pins and needles in the left side of my face and in the tops of my fingers on the left hand does anyone know what this is and how do i stop it from happening

That happens to me during class yes I think that's anxiety as I was told by someone else

[nervous1afraid]

tank u for replying

[ECHOES]

You might try some relaxation exercises like guided imagery relaxation CD's.
When done regularly, it helps keep the anxiety level lower so that when something comes along to spike it up, it doesn't go so high since it's beginning at a lower point.

In the moment, grounding techniques are really helpful.

[Perna]

I use to concentrate on my breathing when I was feeling that way and note that I was breathing fine, that it just felt like I wasn't. Changing the subject in your mind too, thinking about something you enjoy or a problem you are trying to solve can help a little to distract from the feelings. Maybe talk to your pins-and-needle parts and ask them to give you a break and stop (as you shake them like you would if they'd fallen asleep).

When do you have these feelings; if you are in a stressful situation at that time, acknowledge that instead of trying to "fight" it; say something like, "okay, I might flunk this test but I'm going to do the best I can right now" and give up whatever fear you have. ("All right, all these people might think I'm stupid, but I'm going to say what I have to say" or, "All right this person isn't going to like me want to be my friend/go out with me but I would like to get to know more about them anyway" or, "I would like a hamburger, I'm going to go to the grocery store and buy buns, meat, and cheese and have the biggest, best burger I can make! Maybe I'll get a Vidalia or Texas Sweet onion too.").

[nervous1afraid]

thanks everyone for all your suggestions it usually happens when im reminded or thinking about something that happened to me in the past as a child and lately its been on my mind alot so thank you for taking the time to reply to me

[ECHOES]

I looked for this earlier, but couldn't find it, without help from friends

Grounding techniques:

http://forums.psychcentral.com/showthread.php?t=98717