Obsessing about my breathing.... - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

Soar · 07-14-2003, 01:46 AM

Hi all! I am doing a lot better then before. I was on Effexor and did not feel it agreed with me...lots of nausea and lost un-needed weight! Anyhow, I have been obsessing about my breathing and whether I am breathing correctly. My heart has not been racing as much but now I am focusing way too much energy on my breath, and keep feeling like something is caught in my throat. Ugh~ Suggestions???? Similar experiences??? Thanks!

Soar · 07-14-2003, 08:43 PM

Anyone? Wow....

couger2347 · 07-14-2003, 09:55 PM

I to had the feeling of not getting enough air. I spent much of my day thinking and worrying about it. It took me awhile to try to find answers to this awful feeling. First I would look into the subject area of lung and respiratory. You will find topics on air hunger and hyperventilation. I would look into in great detail what hyperventilation syndrome can do and the myriad of effects it has on the body and mind. If you spend some time researhing HVS you will probably come to some conclusions on how just simple bad breathing habits can cause what you are feeling. If you do have an open mind to the theory you will be on the road to recovery. It is mentioned more than once how HVS will cause this obsession you have. Its the way the body reacts to low levels of co2.

ED123 · 07-15-2003, 10:36 AM

Soar

I know exactly what you are reffering to.

I battled with it about 1=2 yrs ago. Now I am ok and no longer concentrate on my breathing.

Every once in awhile I will think about it, lke right now, since I'm reading this but as soon as I turn away from this I forget about.

I finally realized not be obsessed anymore after going to the E.R. 1 or 2 times.

I would notice that when I had breathing problems, and I really thought I had them, I would go to the E.R., they would check me if I was ok, they would say I was perfectly healthy and I would feel fine, no more breathing problems.
Actually just arriving at the E.R. I already felt better and had no more problems breathing, almost at all.

So I noticed I had no problem this way and didn't worry about it anymore.

This really comes from anxiety and stress. Just find ways to releave your anxiety and stress and you will never think about your breathing, etc.

Stay busy also, you wont have time to think about things like this.

Just dont worry though. You are fine.

Soar · 07-15-2003, 01:07 PM

Couger and Ed! Thanks sooooo much for responding. I hate feeling alone in this and it sounds so ridiculous to many people. Glad to hear someone can relate to me....and it will go away!

You are awesome!!!!