Two Part Question guys: Anxiety/Panic Attacks and Breathing Difficulties?
Hi guys, since sept 2001 i have had anxiety and panic attacks and due to them over the years i have been unable to do so many things i would have liked due to it. I panic now in places others are fine in such as pubs and clubs and in heavily built up shopping areas. With this anxiety, breathing has become more difficult. When i say real difficult i mean real difficult. It is at its worst when im outside of my house but i still get it inside also. My social life has been severly affected. I cant catch public transport anywhere and end up walking the distances i need to go all the time. I would like to ask, firstly are any prolonged results of anxiety likely to cause terminal illness (say heart defects or cancer) and secondly, this shortness of breath, which can sometimes make me feel lightheaded and faint (esp in places with lots of people), is that more serious than i am thinking or anxiety related? Anyone got any advice on this and how i may get my life back on track? Cheers
Tagged with: anxiety and panic attacks • cancer • cheers • distances • heart defects • many things • public transport • pubs and clubs • shopping areas • shortness of breath • terminal illness
Filed under: anxiety panic attacks symptoms
Get professional help. You are pretty far gone. I had the same thing and it didn’t take long to correct. I can still get the attack starting but I know how to avert them. I don’t think you will cause any damage to your heart by this. Get help and get back to living.
You really need to be seeing a professional about this.
The breathing is a symptom of the panic attacks, if you were to actually pass out then you would automatically start breathing normally again.
You are caught in a vicious circle though and really need help to treat this.
the stress on your heart from the attacks could eventually cause damage
Sounds like you have an anxiety disorder, most specifically, agoraphobia. Agoraphobics experience panic in public places.
Anxiety does not and will not kill you. I know if feels like it sometimes, but it does not cause heart defects or cancer.
The breathing symptoms you experience are classic symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack.
Please seek the help of a health care professional. Through therapy and perhaps medication, they can ease your fears and help you get your life back.
the physical manifestation of panic attacks are dangerous as stress is one of the biggest killers in the west.
You need to go get some help if it is this bad
do you or have you drank too much continously?
do you or have you taken drugs?
stop if you do, and get help.
I found that pulling myself out of it and fixing things in my life helped, the self belief that comes from challenging onesself cannot be underestimated.
You need to see a doctor. Anxiety attacks are real and can be debilitating to your life. There are medications that can help you, however I will not discuss them here, as I am not a doctor. It sounds to me like your attacks are severe enough to warrant medication. Go see a doctor.
The two will be related to each other and no one here can help you, unless they are a shrink or psychologist/councellor. You should seek professional help as the attacks just become more and more debilitating if left unattended.
My ex wife was able to recover from them – i’m sure you can too.
Good luck
um i get anxiety attacks too and i have trouble breathing at the most random times but the way i deal with it is i get myself away from anything hectic and close my eyes and think of something relaxing while trying to catch my breath and this usually takes a minute or two for me. I’ve never heard of anxiety attacks turning into something worse like cancer or heart problems maybe you should go to a doctor?
can’t diagnose over the internet but certainly all sounds like anxiety/panic/social phobia. It is not going to cause a terminal illness but somtimes a panic attack can be so bad you worry that something worse is going to happen.
usually cognitive behaviour therapy is used for this kind of thing. Also breathing exercises to stop you hyperventilating. You can get lots of CBT based self-help materials which might help and also understanding what is going on can be very reassuring.
It might be worth going to see your GP if you have had this for 6 years
good luck
I have had anxiety for a number of years but tried to keep it in check on my own. I often get the feeling on my throat closing up and difficulty breathing. I start to freak out and it seems like the room is spinning sometimes and I start to feel outside myself. I get anxiety attacks for no reason and did start getting them in elevators and in high places for some odd reason. My anxiety can get so bad that I just need to get away from the people I care about because I just do not feel like myself. I had triggers that would set me off but then I just started to get them all the time, especially in crowded areas or even when I wore a turtleneck!
Anxiety is not fatal but can be crippling in the fact that you will have sleeping problems, stress, stomach pain and sometimes headaches. It does not affect your heart. You will not get cancer
I think you are at a point where I was. It started happening everyday and I felt like I couldnt breath. You can breath perfect. It is all in the mind and you will not pass out, it just passes. You rmind just keeps going what if, what if, what if…. I would recommend you see a doctor and get on medication.
I finally admitted I had a problem with my anxiety and now I am on low dose pills. It took a couple months but I havent had anxiety issues in about 4 months and it calms raising thoughts. It makes you kind of blah but I would rather that than anxiety
I wish you the best of luck
I would also recommend painting, drawing, reading and short walks to clear your mind or even just being alone and playing a computer game or something
As per the other answers I would suggest you consult your Doctor. However, as a sufferer myself (really bad several years ago but more controlled now) I would really recommend transcendental meditation used in conjunction with your medication etc. Discuss it with your doctor. Was a life saver for me and teaches you how to control your attacks and clear your mind. Best of luck.
The breathing problem and your panic attacks are synonymous. Like everyone else said above, go see a therapist, not just your family doctor, though. This disorder is common and there are specialists in the field of anxiety/panic disorder and they will be able to help you. I was the same way, couldn’t drive, go out, busy public places still bother me, but I don’t panic anymore. There is hope, my friend, I promise. In the meantime, there is a site listed below that will show you have to use a breathing technique that really does work. It helps you control your erratic breathing and calms you down. I sure hope you feel better, I know how terrible panic attacks are. Mine went away, hope yours does too. Bless you and take care.
http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/anxiety/christine/treatment_breathing_techniques.asp
I really feel for you here. My husband has also been a panic attack sufferer for a number of years, and it is terrifying, not just for the person experiencing the attack, but also the loved ones around them. At one point, he was nearly 100% housebound for fear of his attacks. But it has improved greatly, and he enjoys a nearly normal life now.
I hope I can help you with the following information:
There is no correlation between any terminal illness and having previously had panic/anxiety attacks. Panic attacks are simply your body’s defense mechanism gone a bit haywire. Back in the days when early humans had to act quickly to survive – for example, to avoid being eaten or injured – the most primitive part of their brain, the hind brain, would kick in and activate a "fight or flight" response. Basically, a rush of adrenaline, increased pulse, heightened senses, increased respiratory rate, dialated pupils, etc – all to help either fight the danger, or flee from it.
Unfortunately, with panic attack sufferers, this mechanism is triggered sometimes irratically, and sometimes with a certain stimulus (for example, enclosed spaces, being in crowded places, etc – my husband’s trigger was anything to do with airplanes or flying). When triggered, the panic attack can make you feel out of control, breathless, like you’re having a heart attack, or dying. But really, physiologically, you are perfectly fine. It is simply just terrifying. Full stop.
There are several things you can do to help yourself lessen the impact of attacks or at least cope with them.
First, identify if there is a possible trigger. It may be wise to avoid this stimulus for a while, but inevitably, you cannot hide from it forever. You can acclimatise yourself slowly to your trigger, until it no longer poses a problem.
Second, when experiencing an attack, you need to stop, breath slowly and remember it is only a panic attack. Sometimes the fear of having an attack will bring on an attack! You just need to take control and remember that you are not dying, sick, out of control or anything of the like. Closing your eyes and focusing on something positive while slowly breathing often helps.
Third, try keeping your mind busy. The frequency of my husband’s attacks lessened greatly when our son was born, simply because we were much too busy with the baby. He wasn’t thinking about it all the time, and it helped to stem a lot of attacks. I’m not suggesting that you get yourself a baby, but try taking up a hobby or sport that you enjoy, and do it often.
Fourth, avoid alcohol, drugs, smoking and get plenty of sleep. Substance abuse and tiredness can make you more susceptible to panic attacks.
Lastly, if you feel you can really not cope, contact your GP. Often, they can refer you to a counsellor who can help you to cope with anxiety or can prescribe medication to help. But it can be done without medicine – my husband flat out refused the medication they wanted to give him, because of the side effects.
I truly wish you all the best. Please feel free to msg me if you want any further advice or help.
All the best…
I had them for years and a one time nearly became a prisoner in my own home I went to the doctor and am lucky cause they are very good he went through all the types of help that were available and we both decided to not go for medication he sent a nurse out to see me and she even took me out places to help me overcome them it’s surprising but true when you go out and feel safe it gains your confidence in yourself. The worst thing for me was being told pull yourself together bad thing to say also nobody could understand that I got them cause I was told I oozed confidence if only they knew I was dying inside. The breathing is a normal part of panic attacks as you breath faster you start to feel faint, medication has worked for others only it was my decision to not take it. I haven’t had one for years thank God only I do try to understand if others get them cause you can feel like a total nutcase, I have helped a few that started to get them only am not qualified to help in severe cases. Do not be concerned too much about the breathing there are so many who have them so take care go see your doctor and good luck
Hi, just to let you know many people suffer from anxiety attacks. No one can tell you what to do, but only suggest. Only you can fix this. I also get a little panicky when in malls , clubs places where there are lots of people and noise. but I have learned to relax before entering, and just remember "breathe"… not fast . that causes you to hyperventilate It could be part of the lightheaded feeling . Breathe deep and exhale deep (long and deep good, short and fast bad). There is nothing to fear about these places. If you begin to feel an attack walk outside, if possible or just try day dreaming while on bus or train, give yourself a few minutes. The worse thing you can do is not go to these places, if you let it , it will get worse. Now for the possible illness… along with other things such as weight, and other factors STRESS can high blood pressure , which can lead to heart attacks…
Its hard to not think about things going on around you. but when your out try not to, (when my son is crying all he is thinking of is crying or the problem., I look him in the face and tell him that his forehead is all wrinkled, and i want him to unwrinkled it , over and over, he concentrates on unwrinkling his forehead and forgets he was crying..) it sounds stupid, but works every time. I hope this helps you.
hi Dave I’ve had anxiety and panic attacks for 20odd yrs so i know how yr feeling ,firstly i think you have a couple of phobias like agoraphobia >>fear of open spaces and also a touch of social phobia,what is wrong is you have a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes us think sooo irrational ,which can be helped by asking yr doctor to get you help with maybe a physiologist they talk you through your fears and are really pretty good , OK now the 2ND thing i hear you saying its YOUR anxiety that’s making you think of heart ,and cancer ,well Dave all the years I’ve had it and I’ve attended groups I’ve never heard of anybody dying of the above , and the shortness of breath well you know its caused by hyperventilating as in yr panicing and that starves oyxgen to the brain thus making you feel dizzy ect ,its a normal feeling dave 2 tips i have for you that ive learned to help me is 1, as ive wrote this before and sounds daft but try it always wear an elastic band round yr wrist when you feel this sudden panic come over you just give it a good old ping cos that way you will be distracted bye the pain of the band and not thinking about the panic 2, always carry a sml bottle of water with you again if you feel this come over you again take a sip and swallow its impossible to panic and swallow at the same time ,thus giving you time to gather your thoughts and if all else fails the sml paper bag works find a secluded place to sit and relax hold the bag tightly making sure it covers yr nose and mouth and take big deep breaths till you see the bag slowly do its job ,another thing is dave if you realy feel unwell outside always ask for help most people will oblige please DONT be embarrased in asking for help ,its an illness like everything else and nooo yr NOT going of yr head ,as i used to think i was the only one suffering like this ,it would surprise you realy how many people suffer or have suffered from this so plsss if all else fails as ive advised ask for help ,i realy do hope this advice helps you dave cos i do know what its like and i sympathise with you but beleive me YOU will get better through time its a 1 day at a time job ,but you MUST first go see yr gp and they will put you on the right tracks for medical help ,plssss tc dave and if i can be of anymore help just let me know tc and you will be back on track in no time
xox
daveslater2005, if your having panic attacks, visit http://panicaway.deals-guide.com/ they can help you get rid of them.
Hope this helps
Hello dear friend ,
i deeply understand u ! I’ve had my first breathing abnormalities since year 1998 , where I thought that had to do with the cigarette smoking …. I was also feeling dizzy . But the best had not come yet … during october 2000 I had a severe panic attack while working where I thought & I felt that I was having a heart attack & I was about to die ……. Of course the doctors in both of the 2 hospitals that I visited on the same day stated that I was under a panic attack condition . After that episode other smaller ones were occuring in the next months ( I couldn’t even go shopping to the super market ) but on the same time I was also searching for an answer by visiting various specialties of doctors . One of them , who was treating me for my stomach problems , told that nothing was wrong with me & that I had to recognise what kind of energies I was receiving from my direct circle of people in order to realize what was harming me . He also told me : change whatever doesn’t suit u , for instance u don’t like your job , change it , you can’t stand the silly behaviour of your husband , divorce him e.t.c.
Well my dear friend this is what I did . Due to the fact that I am a very sentimental person it was rather difficult for me in the beggining … but i finally decide to save myself & stop thinking of the others first . I certainly changed my job (for 5 years paid the same , working from 9 am to whatever 8-9-10 pm) , I divorced my husband (who was handsome but very arrogant-I pushed him to finish high school,then I supported him to granduate a college , I was finding better jobs for him and after all these & 11 years of marriage he became another very arrogant person , who finally I found out that was also cheating on me & was having affairs with other women). The last thing that I realized that affects my life & I haven’t totally changed it yet is my mother ! I live one apartment above her & she thinks that she is married with me , always been involved in my life & always talking in a very discouranging way ! This situation I try to fix little by little because she is the person that gave birth to me & maybe she does not understand that she does harm to me ….
I advice you to stop doing anything & think … just think , what irritates you , bothers you , annoys you … you must find what makes you feel feared you and when you do realize it then it will by itself subside . Ask yourself , what was happenning in your life during your first panic attack ? Were there much pressure at work ? Did your mate-partner understand & supported u or did not care for the situation u faced (as in my case)? Did u have love dissapointments ? Please for your sake , try hard to find the root …. don’t try to eliminate the symptoms . Because what I have not mentioned up till now is that a panic attack shows that something is not good for u and a part of your brain that is called "amygdala" (which is a safety mechanism) is making a revolution & you feel the attacks . So panic attack-s is good because something needs rearrangment & your logic can’t understand it but your higher mind can . Embrace your attacks & when you feel them ask yourself : what I don’t like?what is not good enough for me ? what bothers me ? It took some time to me & it ‘ll take some time to you too for the realization . From my experience I ‘ve seen that panic is visiting people that are more fragile & sensitive compared to others and that can’t say "no" very easily .
I wish u all the best & to find the freedom from the mentan prison .
I too get panic attacks, they were much worse before I saw professional help, however I still get them sometimes I fell over and hurt my hip quite badly a few months ago, I was told to stay off work for three weeks so consequently when I first went out alone I got panic attacks, this carried on for several days but gradually as I built up my strength and started going to assertive lessons my confidence grew and my panic attacks lessened.
You have to make the first step to get your life back and you will only do this if you are in the right frame of mind to get help.
The shortness of breathe is the panic attack taking hold of you, it is when not enough oxygen gets to your lungs, breathing into a paper bag whilst having the attacks will help, I used to carry one around with me just in case.