Why do I have trouble breathing?

Hello,
I would like to ask for help in this subject.
I moved to another country about to months ago and have been under a great amount of stress since then. I also quitted smoking at the same time (cold turkey). I've been really depressed almost since I got here (like talking myself out of suicide every morning), I feel a little better now (since I decided to go back to my old job in my country) but have been anxious anyway.

My problem is that for some times when I got upset, sad or just nervous I start feeling this chest and back pains (not to strong), and I have some trouble breathing, I feel a lot of pressure in my chest when I breathe. I have mild asthma and usually take my preventive medication every day, even though I've been neglecting that for more than a week, it just doesn't feel the same as an asthma episode (I usually start by coughing a lot) and I feel the same even after I took the medication.

The first times this hapenned it didn't lasted for to long (a couple of hours maybe) but I've been this way for more than a day now, even though I got better after sleeping.

Can you help me please.

Thank you

[VicZag]

First of all, if you are truly concerned about your breathing and chest pains, I would see a doctor to rule out anything serious.  With that said though, shortness of breath and chest heaviness seem to be two of the most common symptoms of anxiety.  I had both pretty badly, but luckily the symptoms have whined down.  I am also experiencing back pains and other aches and pains throughout my body.  Anxiety and depression can manifest themselves in countless physical ways.

The best advice I can give is to practice deep breathing techniques where you breathe from your diaphragm.  Here's a good Web site that gives you some simple instructions:

http://panicdisorder.about.com/cs/shbreathing/ht/breatheproperly.htm

Also, I recommend the book "The Relaxation Response" by Dr. Herbert Benson.  This helps you understand exactly how to evoke a sense of relaxation and the benefits it holds for your health (both mental AND physical).  You should be able to find it at any bookstore (I got mine from Barnes and Noble).

Hope this helps!  And good luck!