Lack of breath

[naggus]

I am 17 and i feel like i cannot breathe. I dont say anything cause i think its all in my head, I try to go outside more i try to lay down to see if i can breathe better but it doesnt seems to work. This may be different but I also feel like i'm always exhausted. I'm not over weight I am actually very fit but i really can't understand why i feel this way an you help?

[grendslori]

It's a good idea to get yourself involved with other things to help get your mind headed in a different direction, however, you should still be seen by a doctor. He can rule out any problem that you may have and can also help to eleviate your anxiety. Talk to someone, even a favorite teacher at school. They will help you. take care

[naggus]

yeah ok well today wasn't so bad, i am trying to be more positive and I'm thinking of joining a sport to distract my mind from things like this because it really is bothering me and i feel i have no choice otherwise to just move on and hope it wont effect me later.

[grendslori]

naggus, The first thing you really need to do is to calm yourself down. based on the writing you are doing, it appears you are having an anxiety or panic attack. Both will cause you to feel like you can't breathe or 'get air'. It has to do with the 'fight or flight' defense system in your body. You breathe faster (and shallower) to get more oxygen and red blood cells into your body. To you, it feels like you can't breathe or catch your breath. Do you have a school nurse you can talk to? A favorite coach or teacher? Try going that route and maybe they can talk to your parents. There are still ways of getting care for young people and children if finances are an issue. Sorry I haven't gotten back to you before now; haven't had a computer to work on.  

[naggus]

More symptoms, I'm becoming more and more depressed, this is so not like me, this breathing thing is really bothering me... I'm losing sleep i can't enjoy anything, its making my life a living hell (excuse my french) but seriously i need your help.

[naggus]

Well i tried to tell my mom but she thinks I'm just being a teen, and she said it cost alot of money to get checked. A recent symptom I've gotten is anxiety attacks, they start when i feel like i cannot breathe. I am not understanding at all why i feel this way and it truely scares me a bit...type back soon

[grendslori]

There are a lot of different reasons for the way you feel, it could be anything from asthma to allergies. The best thing for you to do is to talk to your parents and see a doctor.