Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has this symptom with their depression.
I go through times where I just feel like there's so much pressure on my body that it even hurts to breathe. It is actually easier to hold my breath for awhile then to take a breath.
I know it's not asthma or any other breathing problem so that isn't a concern. I'm only asking because I mentioned it to someone today and they thought it was totally weird. Now I'm wondering if that is even normal or if I can't even be depressed right.
I go through times where I just feel like there's so much pressure on my body that it even hurts to breathe. It is actually easier to hold my breath for awhile then to take a breath.
I know it's not asthma or any other breathing problem so that isn't a concern. I'm only asking because I mentioned it to someone today and they thought it was totally weird. Now I'm wondering if that is even normal or if I can't even be depressed right.
deleted_user
No, you're not alone. When I'm feeling overwhelmed I also feel pressure in my chest, a tightness. I haven't found a way to fix it, except not getting stressed. That's not really as easy to do as it is to say..
deleted_user
Sorry if this sounds dumb but could it be panic attacks? I know in the past when I've been really stress out I've had them and felt like I was having a heart attack. If it is that, the paper bag thing does actually work but so does any other distraction. You could breathe in time to a (slow) song on the stereo or have someone sit with you and talk to you. Then try to breathe with them!
deleted_user
no i know that feeling well i describe it as having an elephant sitting on youre chest sometimes i feel like i need to yawn constantly just to get enough breath im told its a symptom of stress, its also worse in the 2 weeks you start taking prozac or anything in the same group like a side effect
deleted_user
Yep I had that when I was taking Venlafaxine / Effexor, it used to give me palpitations and I just thought it was because of them
deleted_user
When I get anxiety attacks, I get extreme pressure in my chest and I feel that I am choking. It has gotten so bad in the past, I ended up in the emergency room! Now I recognize it for what it is. Deep breathing exercises help, even though it hurts to breath! Hopefully, it is not more serious.
Ellocin
Thanks to everyone for replying. I don't think it is panic or anxiety attacks. I've had those before and it feels nothing like that to me. Besides this feeling will often last for hours/days when I'm going through a major depressed period like now. It's not really a feeling that is restricted to breathing...I feel the heaviness throughout my whole body. It just gets so hard to move, talk, breath...anything really. I've mentioned it to dr's and they don't seem too concerned so I guess it isn't anything serious. It's just annoying...frustrating. Makes fighting this depression so much harder for me.
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