Posts by Jesse Ward4

Dealing with the exact same "issue." It’s been dragging on for a while now. I'm 27. First time I felt that choking sensation was when I was 19. It lasted for a bit, felt terrible, and I went through every medical test imaginable. Thankfully, my body was fine, so I knew the "suffocation" was purely psychological. I eventually started ignoring it, and the feeling vanished. Didn't come back for years. Then, out of nowhere, it's back. Started in December, just a few months ago. It hit me suddenly—just this feeling of running out of air, even though I wasn't even thinking about it. Since then, the fear took hold, and everything spiraled. I shut down so hard I fell into a depression. I don't even recognize myself. Panic attacks, agoraphobia... especially around the holidays, if I did leave the house, I needed my parents to go with me. I don't remember being this version of myself. I used to be strong, independent. I honestly don't know what happened. But I realized early enough that isolating myself isn't working. I have to force myself to face the fear. Realized how much damage you can actually do to yourself if you just let it happen... It's a disaster. I saw a psychiatrist and a psychologist. They told me it's anxiety caused by bottling up frustration. They're right, but I don't know how to actually let it out. Anyway, I have an appointment with a psychologist in about ten days, so we'll see. And btw, I'm refusing any pills or antidepressants. I'm not going there. I believe you can fix this naturally if you just have enough willpower.
But the constant shortness of breath won't quit. Especially when I'm resting; it's because I start overthinking it. I've noticed that when I stop focusing on it, I function normally.
It's easier when you share this stuff with others and help each other out. Keeping it all inside is never the answer.