[darkpurplesecrets]

It seems I can be just sitting and all of a sudden it hits me and I have a hard time breathing. It comes from out of no where. It scares me because it feels as though I will not get my breath back. At times I reach for my inhaler but I do not think it does any good.

I look around and I try to ground myself to the room by noticing colors, feet on the floor, different furniture, curtains, and just try to calm my breathing. At times it will work, but at other times it will not work.

I just wondered if anyone had any experience like this and could share what they have done to stop.

darkpurplesecrets

[wishfulmuscle]

I have something similar happen to me occasionally, although it's not usually a shortness of breath, it's usually a dizzy spell combined with a major headache and sick to my stomach kind of feeling.
it usually hits me when i stand up, so leaning my head downward, closing my eyes and holding onto my desk and just concentrating on my breathing helps me stay focused.

I hope that helps a little bit.

[alevin]

Hi darkpurplesecrets.

it sounds as if you are experiencing anxiety/panic attacks.
you mention that you have an inhaler, it is difficult to say what may be bringing them on, ,,, are you asthmatic? and if so ,for how long?

panic attacks are very scary, and usually a symptom of underlying fear[s], " fear of " something that you [as yet] are unable to deal with,,,,,

could you say a little more about it ?

i have had a lot of experience of this, and it can be a very traumatic and dissabling problem

alevin

[Behindthemoon]

yeah, i have related experiences before.the first time i got that feeling i didnt even know that was anxiety and i told my doc and were give some pills but they didnt work very well. i got worried OUT OF AIR.
you need find out your own method to recover the anxiety and rebuild the effect everytime after that.

[darkpurplesecrets]

Thank you wishfulmuscle. I thank you for your advice. I do geet dizzy at times and have to stop where I am and grab ahold of a chair or cart.. It scares me very much.

darkpurplesecrets

[darkpurplesecrets]

elivin--

Thank you for your advice. Yes I do use an inhaler, and I have had asthma for quite awhile but it seems to hit me most when I get scared or anxious.

I know there are some underlying fears coming up for me , not to mention my T sessions have been very difficult.

I will try to keep grounding and breathing slowly.

Thank you again for your caring and I hope you have a wonderful day today.

darkpurplesecrets

[darkpurplesecrets]

((((Behindthemoon))))

Thank you for the advice you gave me. I appreciate that you took the time to answer me . I will take your advice and try to figure out where it is coming from.

darpurplesecrets

breathing with you. i undstand. Jinnyann xoxoxoxoxoxoxo fight them with me. we will win .... jinnyann

[BalishBun]

Well, sometimes a panic attack will confuse me into thinking i need my inhaler, and i will use it and it wont work. well thats because i really wasnt having an asthma attack, it was just my breathing pattern because of the panic.

[darkpurplesecrets]

(((((jinnyanne)))))

Thank you my friend. And yes we will fight them together

Thank you for the understanding. I love you too.

[darkpurplesecrets]

((((BalishBun)))))

Thank you and I think you are right. There are times when I use my inhaler and it does not do what I need it to do. I usually take an ativan to calm myself. Thank you for responding, I so appreciate it.

darkpurplesecrets

[Fuzzybear]

((((((((((((( darkpurplesecrets )))))))))))))


love you,
Fuzzy

[recluse1]

((((((((d.puplesecrets)))))))) It sounds more and more like this is caused from panic attacks. It IS very scary to go thru. And we certainly don't get used to it no matter how many times we have experienced it. But we can learn to work thru them and learn to treat and prevent them.

It sounds as though you are already on some meds to help with the anxiety, so that is one good thing. And trying to keep grounded and focus on your breathing is also a great way to bring yourself back around. To try and figure out what is triggering this you may want to try and keep a journal about the attacks. Like when they happen, what you were doing or thinking when they occured. Had you been anxious or really stressed about something at the time etc. This may help you pin point a particular trigger. Knowing what may bring them on is a great way to learn how to prevent them.

Much love to you my friend. I hope you are able to find some answers and some relief soon. Talking to your T about this could also be very helpful. They may have some great advice on the matter as well.

Wishing you all the best!
recluse1

I'm off the charts with anxiety but can't take my anxiety meds during the day as they make me sleepy so I just ride it out. But first do get a thorough physical (I get chest pains, heaviness in the chest, difficulty breathing, feelings of unreality, confusion & just feeling paralyzed as to what to do next & dizziness).

Got my heart checked out--OK, but did find out I had low thyroid & pernicious anemia that was causing the dizziness. My doc has recommended yoga to learn the breathing techniques & says exercise is ESSENTIAL (especially aerobic--30 min. daily at the minimum) for anxiety.

When I get overwhelmed & paralyzed about what to do next, I go into what I call "survival mode" & put away the to-do list & figure out what I absolutely need to do that day just to survive; cut out all the extra stuff for a few days & I actually just put my to-do list of non-essential stuff on hold for about 3 weeks when I had such a severe panic attack.

Dinner: hard-boiled eggs, toast & an orange; if husband wants something else, go get it himself.

Cancel lunch out with a friend; it felt like a burden, a demand, a chore--not fun like it should have been.

Appt. for a physical--reschedule.

Ironing--one shirt daily for husband.

Bed made? No

Shower? Every other day. Shave legs? No, that's what long pants are for. etc. Worked for me.--Suzy

[mlpHolmes]

Hi Suzy!!
So glad to see you! I'm so sorry you are having such a difficult time right now. But (as you've said, you have had this anxiety many times before)sooooo this is temporary it WILL pass. I like that you have a personal plan, that's important.
I use the "Just For Today", it's saved my life more than once. Go to the Depression Forum, under Depression Resources & it is there, this may help make you feel better & give you direction & guidance in the meantime. Please PM anytime I'd love to hear from You!!
BTW Go easy on Yourself Ok!