Hi all—just joined this forum! I have struggled with anxiety since I was a small kid. I’m now 32 years old (female). From about 21-30 I had it pretty well under control. When I was young I was always terrified I was sick. In the past year, I have gone to the doctor because I thought I had lymphoma, bone cancer, and cervical cancer. I am now having some breathing issues and am convinced it’s lung cancer or something terrible. I will sort of feel like I can’t take as deep of a breath as I want. I often will realize that I am feeling like I’m getting enough air, and I also notice that when I get distracted I don’t notice any shortness of breath. But then I will think to myself “see? You’re fine!” Which will make me start thinking about my breathing again and then it will get shallow. A few times this week (admittedly a stressful week due to holidays), I have even been panicking that I can’t breathe and then realize I’m breathing normally, although of course then I’ll have a moment where I feel like I can’t get the deepest breath I want. This has been distracting and troubling enough this week that I have had trouble being with people and enjoying myself. I feel like I am going to find out I’m sick which will somehow disappoint them, and I’ll have a type of illness that will kill me painfully. I keep wanting to tell myself “it is statistically more likely that this is due to your anxiety than lung cancer or something,” but I am not even sure if that’s true. I am also afraid that I’m going to live my entire life this way and be unable to interact with anyone or do anything. I have a job interview in a couple of weeks and am worried I won’t be able to do it without my breathing interfering. I don’t know if anyone else has experienced this or can give any words of advice, but it would be very appreciated!
It does sound like you are having panic attacks and anxiety over health worries. Have you discussed this with a DR or just the health symptoms you feel. I had such a bad panic and anxiety attack my parents called an ambulance but all my tests were 100%normal. I however felt like I was going to collapse and couldn't breathe. It's really awful. Ask them about anxiety atta is and good luck
Hi ab,
Welcome to this forum! The symptoms you describe seems like classic anxiety and panic attacks. The very best thing you can do is to see a doctor to rule out things and get a diagnosis so you can get a treatment plan. Also, this forum is a wonderful way to get support and ideas from others like yourself. Just remember you a not the only one who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks.
Here is something you can do now:
The next time you could try taking a “deep breath” and accept the fact that you are having anxiety and that it's all in your head, your brain is playing a trick on you. Talk to yourself, question your thoughts, try to be calm while you visually see that's it's going to be alright. Practice being an observer and stay positive and yes visualization really helps.
Good luck on your job interview and best wishes for you!
All I can advise AB0225
You are understanding if you divert your Anxiety/Health concerns you will forget the fears your body is telling you about. You need to ask yourself why you are feeling the way you do and accept you are not going to die from a condition that is cased by fears instilled in your brain. Most people have niggles and fears there health is failing although generally, most sensations you are concerned about all in the brain, and you need to learn that most problems you have are normal or can be treated by a visit to a chemist, not the GP. Every little problem is not life threatening and you need to look for diversions to stop worrying about your health
Understand these sensations are none productive is as the pains and Anxiety, all are in yor mind and has become habit forming, you are not being rational and this will cause you negative problems and that in turn will make your health fears worse. The chances of a life threatening problem are again nothing to consider. You need to move on and enjoy your life.
Yes yor GP may allow various tests to prove you are well, however you need to ask yourself if tests are worthwhile if you can admit you have this negative problem called Anxiety
BOB
Thank you! I like the idea of becoming an “observer” - I think this could help a lot.
Thank you, this is really helpful to hear and I think what I needed to hear. I am confident that if I go to the doctor and find out everything is fine, I will develop new "symptoms" of a different illness. I live in the US, so this is an expensive coping strategy.
Thanks, Joanne58498! It feels less like an attack because it feels more chronic than acute, but I think it's the same basic thing.
All the very best
BOB
That’s the first symptom I had when my anxiety started. I would yawn excessively and it would get worse. Essentially it’s hyperventilating without the Hollywood show of it. The best way to fix it is to slow down the breathing.