[MattMVS7]

I am having a new thought that is causing me constant panic. But I am going to explain something first which is that breathing is a natural part of life and we are unaware of it.

But I asked myself the question of "what if I become aware of it?" Me being aware that I am constantly breathing is causing me panic because I realize that I have to put effort into every breath I make and that I can't escape. I feel trapped inside a body that has to constantly breathe in order to stay alive.

Since I am aware that I am breathing, I feel myself always having to choose (put effort) into breathing and this is what is causing me panic.

[A Red Panda]

I'm sorry that this is causing you panic!

I don't think I can fully relate, but I can share a breathing and panic story.

I was having well, a lot of stress and depression going on. I'd had a few panic attacks. It got to the point where... somehow my body just WASN'T breathing. During normal activities where I wasn't actively paniced or stressed. I'd just start choking because I hadn't breathed in for a while. Or where I'd gasp in a breath because apparently I had been holding my breath. I wasn't doing it on purpose and wasn't aware of it until I gasped or choked. It had me fairly worried actually. I had to really focus on my breathing for a week or so until it seemed to sort itself out.

[adawg123]

Originally Posted by MattMVS7

I am having a new thought that is causing me constant panic. But I am going to explain something first which is that breathing is a natural part of life and we are unaware of it.

But I asked myself the question of "what if I become aware of it?" Me being aware that I am constantly breathing is causing me panic because I realize that I have to put effort into every breath I make and that I can't escape. I feel trapped inside a body that has to constantly breathe in order to stay alive.

Since I am aware that I am breathing, I feel myself always having to choose (put effort) into breathing and this is what is causing me panic.

It sounds like a form of ocd... the thought is causing u anxiety and as a result u are focused on ur breathing too much. I do this sometimes with trying to relax my body. I found that letting the anxiety be there and not doing anything about it helps. dont get me wrong its really really hard.. but it has helped me. I have OCD.. i hope this helps