Avatar Posted by dinkdaduck 435 days ago (Question)
I have been having trouble breathing latley , and chest xrays show nothing. After looking up "breathing problems" I found that alot of my symptoms match those of a panic attack or emotional stress. I am taking xanax and sometimes it helps , but not sure if I am sick or if the stress is so much that it is making me sick. I just want to get back to my normal life , but now i start having panic attacks in fear that I might feel bad again. Big circle what do I do .


Answers

Written by drjean 434 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Yes dink, it can be a vicious cycle. Is the xanax for your anxiety? Are you taking it regularly, or as you are supposed to?

What in your life has changed that you feel more stress now than you have in the past? (You don't have to share here, but do list things bothering you.) Can you eliminate any of them, or minimize the demands of some of them?

With regards to anxiety attacks, the first thing to do is breathe! Yes, it's tough because one tends to hold the breath when upset or anxious and it makes the problem feel worse. Things aren't worse, they just feel that way. (If you hold your breath too long, the body is wonderful in that you will pass out and begin breathing normally again!)

Take long, slow, deep breaths. Focus on breathing, in...out. That in itself will help you begin to feel less anxious.

Next, ground yourself. This means make yourself realize where you are and what you are doing... touch your hands together, stomp your feet, look around you and see the walls or trees etc. Tell yourself you are okay! Say that this won't last very long, and you are okay.

Stress can make you sick. Please do see what's changed and do only what you feel comfortable with.

tc

drjean

Written by dinkdaduck 434 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

Nothing has changed. The weather, I think it might be allergies but now it is effecting my mind.It comes and goes throughout the day and I never know when it will be bad or good.I had been taking the xanax as needed not to become dependent, but now I'm taking it 2-3 times a day.

Written by Clyde 432 days ago Rating: 0 | Rate Answer: + -

It does sound like it is anxiety. What has changed in your life, bringing more stress? You may want to let your therapist know about that list, and they can find a way to help you feel better.

Best,

Clyde


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