Has Diaphragmic Breathing worked for you?

Went to see my counsellor for the first time today about my anxiety, and she said because I was only 18 and still very young, she'd prefer that I didn't go on any medication because judging from the things I said, it was moderate anxiety and not chronic anxiety. So, she reccomended I started doing Diaphragmic Breathing 4-5 times a day for 5-10 minutes, she explained how to do it, and i've looked around the web and watched some videos on how to do it, and I think i've got the hang of it. Being an anxiety counseller, she had also been through the same problems for 20+ years she tolled me, which involved depression, anxiety, and stress, and from her personal experience, she said this breathing technique worked the best for her anxiety.

Has this breathing technique worked for anyone else here as far as anxiety goes? And how long did it take for you to genuienly feel a change within yourself.

Thanks,

-Keyran.

[keyran]

Sorry to double-post, but I forgot to add, does this technique also relieve depression at all? I should've asked my counseller, but I forgot.

Thanks,

-Keyran.

[cj29]

Breathing techniques can definitely help stave off a panic attack and help with relaxation.  It is one of many techniques that one can learn to deal with it in my opinion.  Quite often anxiety can lead to depression because of how scared and confusing it can be when we go through it.  Let me applaud you for your willingness to seek help for this.  For someone your age to confront this, it shows a lot of maturity on your part.  As you keep seeing a therapist, you often learn more about why you have your anixeity and learn about that pattern of thinking and a little knowledge about this can go a very long way....keep us posted!

[lupins]

Hi! It's great that you are taking care of this issue now - be proud of yourself!  Deep breathing is so good for you - it should be taught as a life skill in school as far as I'm concerned. I try to do it every day even if I feel okay. Take care!

[keyran]

Thanks for your kind replies. Ok, so now i've been doing this technique for 2 days, but nothing's really changed yet, but that's quite understandable in my opinion, although when my anxiety is about to get sky high, I now instantly do the technique, and it does relieve me a tiny bit, which is better than nothing, I guess it takes time for this to really start working, right? I'm just a bit bummed I have to wait another 2 weeks to see my counseller, I really wish it was a weekly thing or something.

Thanks for the replies, keep posting :)

[cj29]

Focus on the long term progress...even a little relief is a step in the right direction.  Do not become discouraged if you sometimes take a step backward as well.  Life does have its ups and downs with any experience we go through, so keep your head up..you are doing the right thing!  Keep us posted!!

[Pum]

It definitely helped me when my specific anxiety was around shortness of breath. What has helped the most is exercise though.

Good luck and take care of yourself.

[Nanabanana6]

Deep breathing exercises have helped me tremendously through the years.Even though it may seem it's not helping much, it's probably doing more then you'll ever know and that's a good thing. By using these techniques your preventing higher anxiety and a potential panic attack. When you focus on anything other than the anxiety you are going to feel better. I try to remind myself to relax certain muscle groups thru out the day as well. When you are anxious you tense up without realizing it and you can get a bit of relief by conciously relaxing each muscle from head to toe. For me...sometimes that's all it takes to prevent a full blown anxiety attack. I sure hope you feel better soon and I'm glad you are finding help. Good Luck and bless you!