On the Forum, Melissa writes: I have struggled in the past with an anxiety/panic disorder. I controlled it and got on with my life. Suddenly life got hard again, and I'm finding it hard to breathe and take deep breaths. I thought it was asthma, but I'm not so sure. Does anyone else suffer from this? I've looked everywhere for advice but no one understands or they just think I'm "crazy."

Cathleen's thoughts: Melissa, you absolutely are not "crazy" or even alone with your symptoms. Yes, you should see your healthcare provider for a complete physical to rule out any underlying causes, such as asthma. Your doctor should know about any medications or supplements you take, including anything you buy over-the-counter.

Once you have been checked out physically, you'll want to talk to your doctor about what is causing your breathing difficulties. Is your doctor making the diagnosis of an anxiety disorder?

If so, please know that breathing difficulties may be a symptom of more than one anxiety disorder, including panic disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. If you do have an anxiety disorder (and you mention a history), then treatment for your disorder can alleviate your symptom.

Learning and practicing a deep breathing exercise may be helpful for you. People with panic disorder tend to breathe shallowly, which can lead to that feeling of not being able to take a deep breath. Because you are sensitive to your breathing, start slowly with a simple exercise (being sure to discuss this with your doctor first). An easy one to try is How to Breathe the Right Way.

What Do You Think? Do you have any problems with breathing during panic attacks or when you are anxious? Have you found anything that helps? Share your thoughts on the Panic Disorder Forum or by adding your comments below.

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