Hiya, I just want to clarify something..lately i've been focusing on my breathing, and controlling it like it's voluntary. I keep worrying so much about my breathing that it's quite hard to just simply forget about it. Is this some kind of OCD?
I wouldn't have thought so. Our breathing is very closely linked to our level of anxiety and the first thing that people have to learn when learning relaxation/meditation is breathing control. You can have a look on the web for mp3 files to download (for free) that can guide you through specific ways of controlling your breathing. Practice them at regular times to learn the techniques rather than try when your anxious, learn the skills first. Most people find these things useful.
im not anxious when this happens, i'll just be sitting there watching tv or something , and then think about my breathing... i think it is a kind of ocd no?
Its not really the sort of thing you would expect in OCD, but its when we sit quietly with few distractions that we are more likely to become aware of whats happening in our body. In bed at night before going to sleep seems a very common time for this sort of thing. I wonder why it concerns you like this? everyone breaths and its very easy to become aware of it,
i think it's maybe just a really bad habit thought pattern, or sometimes ill scare myself and think what if this happens forever. how would you say i go about this ?
Hi, Wuntu. I don't think what you're describing is OCD-related, but it may be something you should talk to a GP about. What I can tell you is that I've always had weird issues with breathing. If I pay attention to it (like I am right now), I feel as if I'll suddenly stop breathing. It's as if I think I'll "forget" how to breathe if I focus on it too much. This type of thinking can quickly spiral into a panic attack, so it's best to find ways to distract yourself. The human brain takes care of breathing...it's not something you should always be thinking about. The sooner you forget about it, the better you'll feel. I promise.
Feel better, Wuntu. Best,
Nicholas
I understand what Nick is saying, but I'm not sure its possible to simply stop thinking about it, to stop yourself you have to have in mind what you are stopping. My own approach would be to actually to try and use this habit, and learn one of the many relaxation techniques available. Just remember that these are skills and need practice, you get better over time. It actually doesn't matter if you feel anxious, these are useful skills and can be useful in all sorts of situations.
Hi Nick
Have you seen a gp/therapist? it's much easier said than done to just 'forget about it' i wish there wash a button to turn it off , but thank you i appreciate the reply