Re: Anyone else absolutley PLAGUED with fear about this simple thing...
Okay, respiration is naturally an autonomic process just like the heartbeat. It is, however, possible to invoke voluntary influence over these processes, most particularly respiration and it is the subsequent sensation produced by such influence that causes constant vigilence in some cases.
The mind affected by anxiety is much like a vortex capable of pulling anything nearby into its influence and becoming central to one's focus or vigilence. Persons who become engaged in voluntary influence over their respiration process will subsequently feel the constant urge to continue voluntary control as though they are now hopelessly strapped with the task, the consequences of which could be dire if they relinquish function back to the autonomic nervous system. In other words, they feel as though they can't release responsibility back to the body and nervous system, but have unwittingly taken over with seemingly no way out.
Many times, such persons begin to sense restriction in tidal volume, or the ability to produce an inspirational or deep breath, which in fact causes certain stretch receptors to produce feedback that is calming in nature. In the absence of the forced ability to do so, some persons begin to panic that they cannot get enough air or feel that something is wrong with their respiration. The chest wall and diaprhagm become tense, which only increases the efforts to obtain an inspirational breath that largely must come by way of natural rather than forced procession.
Tidal rhythm also becomes largely affected and is very akin to one who tries to think about their feet moving while dancing, which inevitably causes reduced coordination.
Many such persons find themselves intentionally trying to yawn and perform changes in body position hoping to sense relief from what feels like the need to purposely breathe, a sensation that also produces heaviness or labored activity.
The sensation will diminish with time and engaging in activities which ironically require forced respiratory activity such as swimming underwater or blowing up balloons will subsequently reduce voluntary influence and normal patterns will return.
You'll be fine.
Best regards,
Rutheford Rane, MD (ret.)
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Best regards and Good Health