breathing obsession

[mchirnc]

I have had some difficult health issues over the last few months.  During this time I have also developed anxiety and depression.  The worst symptom, though, is that I am constantly aware of my own breathing.  I know it may sound strange or silly, but it is DRIVING ME CRAZY.  It seems the more I try to ignore it or not let it bother me, the worse it gets.  All of the relaxation and meditation books say to focus on your breathing, it will relax you.  Well, for me it has become a nuisance.  I can't enjoy anything.

Please Help!  Thank you.

[emtz05]

How long did u have it before treatment

[zoozazooza]

Just wanted to let everyone know that this can be beat.  Just knowing that my breathing was not going to stop, and that my body could regulate it on its own, as well as finding ways to distract myself and telling myself not to think about it has helped me a lot.

Just wanted to let everyone know that there is hope out there and not give up.

If you're struggling you should talk to a doctor, as I am not one and this is not intended as medical advice, just a small reflection on my own way of dealing with that.

[labhaoise16]

i had the breathing obsession as well ten years ago. i was actually breathing for myself and i couldn't stop diong it. i thought i was going to stop breathing. it was a living hell. i got over it with the help of lustral, zispin, and melliral and lots of support from family and friends.  i recovered after 6 months and have not thought about breathing since. C.B.T is also very good.  Usually 90% improvement with 5-7 sessions.  if you have other anxiety disorder as well, treatment will take longer.  it can be beat!!

[mchirnc]

Thanks Yogi,
I still suffer with this almost 2 years later, thought I have learned to live with it a little more.  

And that is a great website.

[Yogi4obsession]

What you are feeling is just anxiety about the thoughts... Nothing wrong in you or your mind... You people are smarter than other in terms of understanding your mind...

Please go through the link below to get rid of this anxiety which explains everything you need.
http://www.anxietynomore.co.uk

I also sufferer from breathing though but I feel lot better now..

Yogi

[MrGreen]

We all latch onto one main symptom when we have anxiety. There are those symptoms we all have in common too. But most people have a unique one that they do. I think yours is your breathing. If you read around the forum you will see others who may have chest pains, tingles, headaches. These are unique to them and others might not also experience them. Hence we wonder ' why just us '. Nothing new though. So don't fear it that much. I seriously believe it to be the one thing you focus on more than anything else.

[mchirnc]

Well, my medical issues are related to my thyroid, and the symptoms included, rapid heart beat, hyperventilating, etc.  So I think when I realized that I was breathing too fast, I became focused on my breathing.  Now it's not that I feel the need to control the breathing, it's just an awareness.

[mchirnc]

No, I do not have any rituals nor do I obsess about anything else.  I am seeing a therapist for the first time tomorrow.

Thanks for your comments everyone

[Nasal_Problems]

Hi,

As you can see from my name. I have the same problem. I am constantly aware of my breathing. That's why I hate those relaxation exercises that tell you to focus on breathing. The truth is my breathing should not be focused on.

Question:

1. Did your recent medical event have anything to do with breathing? If yes, it's pretty clear why you are paying so much attention to it.

If no, so be it. I'd go an get an exam run on your breathing. Go to an ENT and an allergist/asthma specialist. Rule out any allergies to meds ect.

If nothing works, as is the case with me you need to re-train yourself. You need to accept that you will not stop breathing and that this is part of your panic attack symptoms. If you accept that and trust that you won't start breathing, you need to find a way of getting your attention off of your breathing and on to something else. Personally, this is hard. But, I find "feeling" "touching" to be a good step. By this I mean, when typing feel your hands/fingers. What does that feel like? When walking, pay attention to your the way your feet feel. Also, when you eat, pay attention to each "taste". I really like to "listen" to what's going on outside the room I'm in, this really works. I often soften my "vision" too, this helps for me to focus on sight. I think you get the picture. Bottom line.... use your senses. Although it's not the total answer, this can truly help.

For really bad situations, I suggest you try tapping.com.... it's crazy, but it has helped me.

[alevy]

It sounds like you are having obsessive thoughts about your breathing. This may be related to the anxiety that you are experiencing. I was wondering if you have any other sort of obsessive thoughts? Do perform certain rituals like washing your hands alot or counting? I am only asking because I am getting my master's in mental health counseling and have been trained to diagnose people. I am wondering if you might have some Obsessive Compulsive tendencies. Alot of the times anxiety is confused with OCD. It is something to think about....have you thought about talking to a professional about this???

[scaredjo]

ah the old breathin problems. the more you focus the more you will be aware and the more stressed you will get over it, just try and ignore it you must be breathing ok otherwise you wouldn have been able to write the post!!! when you become aware that you are focusing on it too much try and take your mind off it, read a book or watch some tv, turn the sound up so you cant actually hear yourself breathing,