Anxiety Help please

[southernbell88]

Hi, I'm new hear and heard about this site through a friend...I don't usually do these online blogging things but came here because I feel desperate for some kind of support and possibly the reassurance that I'm not the only one experienceing what I have been the last few months.
It started 9 months ago, I was just sitting in class and suddenly couldn't breathe. I thought I was dying. To make a long story short, I became a total worry wart and hypocondriac from then on. I've had an MRI test, an emergency room visit, an EKG scan, and much more. So all the doctors diagnosed me as have anxiety disorder and depression (it runs in my family). The panic attacks don't bother me so much as the constant shortness of breath I have, I can't do any of the rigorous physical sports I used to because I am afraid to and I just feel so weak. I see a psychologist and have talked to family and close friends about it as well, but as supportive as they've been I can see they are tired of hearing about my constant "irrational worries" like sudden death and various diseases. All I feel is a sense of gloom for the future and always feel something bad will happen. I feel like something is seriously wrong with my health and I have some rare disorder, even though I've been to nearly every doctor. I'm going to college in the fall and I just want to get through this, I've always been a happy girl and never had any issues like this before. If anyone else can relate to me especially if they really have had shortness of breath alot with their anxiety I would appreciate it sooo much as the internet makes it seem like a pretty scary symptom I feel as though no one understands the torture anxiety does to a person unless they've experienced it themself

[Thirteen]

Honestly, the shortness of breath shouldn't be there if you're not in any stages of a panic attack. If you're constantly panicking, you may not have Anxiety, but rather Panic Disorder, which is different.

Anxiety is always worrying, fearful, etc. essentially, as we all know. People with Anxiety don't constantly have panic attacks, where the symptom is shortness of breath. I have Anxiety, and I find I breathe fine, but just, worry a lot. I only have problems breathing when I'm on the verge of freaking and having a panic attack.

Panic Disorder is where you're prone to having panic attacks. Which means, little things will trigger this breathing issue. More information about the symptoms can be found here.

Either way, I'd suggest talking to your family doctor, and getting on something for Anxiety. It's quite common for Anxiety and Depression to co-exist, so pharmaceutical companies have been coming out with combination Anti-Depressant/Anti-Anxiety medications, which could probably prove quite beneficial in your case.

[southernbell88]

thanks, i've been on an anti-depressent for 2 months actually...it doesn't help the shortness of breath. and the psychiatrist believes i have GAD and depression so i guess thats what i have. i just want to be able to breathe normally and not be afraid to exercies, my pshychologist says its the anxiety but i cant help thinking i have asthma or somthing worse though

[Thirteen]

Well, getting on a medication to treat Anxiety and Depression (which is possible with one medication) would help you figure out if it's just from the Anxiety, or if you DO have Asthma on top of all that.

I still suggest talking to your doctor.