Can anxeity or a panic attack caus shortness of breath?!
Question:
Can anxeity or a panic attack caus shortness of breath?
and how long does it last and how do i know if its cause from that ?
Additional Details3 weeks ago
so im not dying
3 weeks ago
anyone know how i can stop panic because right now im thinking im going to die
Answers:
You poor thing! Go see a doctor just in case, but...
...if it is a panic attack, you need to learn how to breathe properly. This will control your panic. At the moment, when you feel anxious, you begin to breathe more rapidly (or yawn or sigh). This extra intake of oxygen makes you feel even more anxious – and you start breathing even more rapidly. This cycle continues until you hyperventilate and have a panic attack.
The good news is you can stop this cycle! As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, sit or lie down. Then breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). Soon, this will restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better. Books and psychologists can explain it a lot better than me!
Also I would really advise a course of Cognitive Behavioural therapy. CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks. It takes a bit of work, but I found it super effective.
You can speak to your doctor about doing a course, or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... A ‘prettier’ version of this type of programme can be bought at www.thewellnessshop.co.uk. If you don’t like computers, the best book is Dr Robert Burns, The Feeling Good Handbook (it’ll also tell you breathing techniques). It is brilliant and used by many psychologists.
All I can say is CBT changed my life. I had to put in a lot of work, but my panic attacks have been virtually eliminated. I also did relaxation exercise tapes 2 or 3 times every day for a year.
Remember that you always have the power to stop your panic attack!
Good luck!