[venom0706]

I am 22 and will start uni next week. However, for the last month, I've been having constant urges to take deep breaths, for my lungs to feel "satisfied" Almost every minute. I think this started after a panic attack that I had. I went to my GP, had an X-ray scan, had my oxygen levels tested, blood pressure as well, liver and kidneys tests. Nothing. It seems everything is completely normal. Which makes me think this is probably anxiety related. I am a very nervous person. However, when I am not thinking about it, it still happens, but not very often.

The problem is that I am very scared whether this will affect my studying at the university. Will it prevent me from memorizing the study material? Unfortunately, I can't prolong the start of the university, just for the sake of the breathing problem disappear. I can't wait forever to start my education.

And since the doctors can't find what's wrong with me, I have to deal with this and go through university with that problem on my mind. Any suggestions on how to cope with this? I would kindly appreciate. Thank you.

[BeaFlower]

Hi venom. Hi agree, this seems related to anxiety. Since it happens since a month, maybe it could be at least partially due to the stress to begin university...also if you like the field that you choose, probably there is some anxiety, expecially if you are an anxious person in general (I am too).
I'd suggest you to work with a psychologist and discuss about anxiety and about this problem in particular. Maybe also breathing exercises could help. You could even find a psychologist at your university.
Good luck with study and with everything

[venom0706]

Thank you for your reply! But do you think I should postpone university with one year, before the breathing problem passes away? Will this affect my studying?

[BeaFlower]

I'm not sure...a therapist would be better to answer this...but I think that it would be better to try. If you see that you like university and you feel comfortable, this could even help with the problem.
Why do you think that it could affect your study?

[venom0706]

Because I fear it might interrupt my memorizing brain capability or interrupt my concentration. I don't know whether postponing uni would be a good idea, since I will study in the UK and will owe a student debt. I don't think it is possible to postpone at this point. Also, the feeling of not having enough breath makes me think that I am going to die. It really is depressing and suffocating having to take deep breaths every minute.

[BeaFlower]

These really sound like panic attacks. I'm sorry, it must be hard. But my suggestion is to go on with your life however, and not let this stop you. I think that it's the best way to overcome the problem, if you feel motivated enough to go.
Probably it doesn't help concentration, but I think that you can do it. You also said that when you don't think to the problem it happens less, if I understood well. So, maybe focusing on studying could even help
But I'd really, really suggest to see a therapist.

[tin58]

Hi venom0706.

Like was stated this sounds like anxiety. I have experienced the same sensation where I feel like I can't breath deep enough,like I can't quite fill my lungs, or like the air isn't reaching down to where it should. It never effected my brain function other than the nervousness and panic I felt.

This would happen to me as a kid and I had no idea what was happening. I felt like I was going to suffocate or die. But looking back it was definitally anxiety because I had a dysfunctional alcoholic family.

It sounds like you are from across the pond so idk how everything works over there but it might be worth it to investigate having a therapist. You could start by asking your GP for referal. Or maybe your school will have therapist services available.

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