Hi
I was wondering if anyone has had breathlessness because of anxiety and if so what does that feel like to you?
I’ve been breathless for the best part of 5 months now. It’s not the type you get when you’re unfit and trying to run, it feels like I can’t take a deep enough breath. If I breathe out for a really long time then the next one is better but it comes back. It’s fine when I sleep and gets way worse when I stand up for longer than 15 minutes. My lips are pale with purplish edges as well which is scary and I feel like I don’t have enough oxygen.
I work at an office so there’s not much activity to cause it. I have found temporary relief with vagus nerve stimulation (face in ice-cold water does wonders for about 10 minutes)
I know it’s not the same as the kind you get from panic attacks either because I haven’t had that in 9 months although I still have anxiety and I’m working with a therapist. I had a chest xray which was clear and bloodwork which excluded anemia and I’m not hyperventilating.
I’m not catastrohizing that I have anything major but I’m trying not to spiral again so any input of what it’s like for other people would be appreciated thanks!