I can totally relate to this! In fact I had it pretty bad just last night. I just try to remind myself its just anxiety but wish I knew some better tricks for us! If you find anything helpful please share. Its a awful feeling but I also try to remember how many times its happened and that I've survived it everytime. Hope you feel better soon!

I have this all of the time. It drives me crazy.

O yes I'm like that right now as we.speak pins needles n my hand tingly feeling i hate it

dis is exactly how i feel most of d tym....even having dis same feeling rite now....i have noticed dat staying indoors actually intensifies dis horrible feeling...talking about it to ppl helps but not always...it is such a pathetic feeling n each tym it happensi feel as if i wont b able to make it ...total lack ofbreath....hate it !!!

I also had this issue. I would very often hold my breath for long periods of time without even realizing it. I worked with my therapist for quite some time to learn to do belly breathing (like a baby) and how to breath deep into my abdomen instead of into my chest. If you are working with a therapist I would recommend that you talk to him/her about this and have them teach you the proper way to breath. Once you do start belly breathing you will probably notice you have more energy and you can think more clearly because you are getting the proper amount of oxygen in your body.

One way to tell if it is your mind causing you to breath incorrectly is to notice how your breathing is when you wake up in the morning. Chances are it is back to normal. That's because when you sleep your mind is not in the way and you fall back into proper belly breathing.

Here is a good video of how to practice belly breathing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgTL5G1ibIo

Take care

I get that===I feel like I can't take a deep enough breath--I have to slow down my breathing and really concentrate -It is scary--I had surgery last yr-it really screwed with my lungs for awhile.....I went to a wedding and felt like I was going to sufficate dancing after 3 songs...

I too have this all the time. I have Asthma and allergies but the breathing issues caused by my anxiety are different. What makes me feel better is walking which takes my mind off of the breathing. Horrible feeling though. I done meditation daily and appears to be helping with more better days than bad days.

Hi Kiki.

Yes, I have this same problem as well. It truly does sound like anxiety, but if you havent spoken to your doctor, I would advise you too. There are quite a few different conditions that could be causing this.

I have a sliding hiatal hernia and when it moves up, it causes the sensation of not being able to take in deep breaths, so you couple that with anxiety and it's a mess. I've learned to cope and have it under much better control now. So, you definiately need to rule out anything more serious first.

As you can see from all the replies, we all know exactly how you feel. Take care.

Yup. I've had that all my life. Used to really freak me out. Now I just remember that I'm getting plenty of air and I'm fine. Seems to help if I do some meditation. There are also places that can do breathwork with you.

Yes! Always. it is a horrible feeling. I tend to swallow air with is as well which causes other problems too. Its quite shitty having this happen all the time. I have asthma too but its triggered by stress sometimes. I really like to help myself with alternative treatments. Of course go see a doc if need be but trying essential oils wouldn't hurt!

Just thought of this today because I got some of the weird breathing stuff. The propranalol totally helps me with the breathing. Generally, I get the weird not being able to take a deep breath and feeling light-headed when my heart is beating faster and/or harder. Not out of control, but just a bit faster or harder than normal. II notice the breath stuff before the heart stuff.

Omg! I feel like this all the freakin time. It scares me silly. I even wake up with that feeling like I am being smothered or that I can't get enough air in,or as you said I can't get air deeply into my lungs.