I know this sounds strange...but for about 2 months now I developed this odd thought that i'm going to die if i hold my breath, while losing control of my mind..just letting my anxiety get the better of me, and then i lose control and hold my breath...i have an intense fear of dying...when i was younger my dad would play this game, he would pretend he was a monster and lay on top of my brother and sister...and it felt like i was suffocating...now i'm going crazy thinking if i keep holding my breath i will die of lack of oxygen...please someone help!

WW23,

It's only anixety. I know it sucks! The more I think about breathing, the harder time I have (or so I think)
breathing.
I would look in to the monster thing. You may be suffering from PTS. Post Tramatic Synd.
In your favor, you at least know what causes your breathing problem. Your half way to healing it.
Good Luck!
Healy

If it helps at all, I think that you can't actually suffocate by holding your breath. I think it is your body's natural response to pass out, then start you breathing. So if you sit there and hold your breath, you will only pass out. Your body will take over and breath for itself! I'm not a doctor, but I'm pretty sure of this.

Maybe the real cure for this (that is the fear) is discovering the underlying reason for the thoughts. Maybe it is something that stems from childhood, or possibly there is something out of whack chemically. More than likely only somebody that specializes in this could help you.

It is scary to live in fear. I wish you well. Feel free to respond back.

[This message has been edited by hangtenvetter (edited 05-06-2003).]

River,

You are okay!!!! You are going through something that is triggering off a bad memory of your childhood. I know that you feel scared, but, you will be okay!!