[jean17]

I just don't understand it. I'm going about my day doing things I love, like gardening and swimming, and then, wham! My chest starts constricting and I feel like I'm strangling, choking.
My therapist says to "sit with it" instead of trying to make it go away. I understand what she means, but it's dreadful. I don't want to keep it. I just want it to GO AWAY!
I really hate not knowing why it happens. It seems so out of my control.
It's like a demon uses it to destabilize me and drive me to desperation.
Any ideas what to do with it?

[StarFireKitty]

Jean17 all I know to do with these experiences is to get real still and focus on breathing, my breath...for as long as it takes. Maybe some others will have more helpful suggestions that are effective

[Mustkeepjob32]

They say to "sit with it" or "ride it through", how do you do that? I mean if the anxiety is so bad it's painful, how do you "sit with it"?

[jean17]

Originally Posted by Mustkeepjob32

They say to "sit with it" or "ride it through", how do you do that? I mean if the anxiety is so bad it's painful, how do you "sit with it"?

Don't know. Good to try to laugh about it though.

[jean17]

Originally Posted by StarFireKitty

Jean17 all I know to do with these experiences is to get real still and focus on breathing, my breath...for as long as it takes. Maybe some others will have more helpful suggestions that are effective

Thanks. Will try.