Constantly aware of/controlling my breathing?

**Posts:** 1 · by **Liquid** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 3:21 am

I had a panic attack the other night and felt very short of breath. During the panic attack, I had a thought enter in my head "What if I can't stop thinking about my breathing?" and ever since that moment, I can't seem to stop monitoring/being aware of my breathing.

It's very annoying and actually begins to feel labored because I'm constantly aware of each breath, even to the point of accidentally controlling it when I think about it. I don't think it's OCD because I don't feel it necessary to notice or control my breathing and I know that breathing should be an automatic process. I just can't seem to STOP being aware of it.

I'm worried that I will forever be focused on my breathing and be unable to not think about it.

Has anyone else had this? Does it go away on it's own somehow?

**Posts:** 12131 · by **Richard@DecisionSkills** » Mon Oct 02, 2017 2:25 pm

Liquid wrote: Does it go away on it's own somehow?

It goes away when you start doing things that require your focus be elsewhere, like social events, work, or anything else that requires cognitive effort.

**Posts:** 4 · by **dimiswebs** » Wed Oct 04, 2017 1:48 pm

i had exactly the same issue , i had constant panic attacks ....
last year things gone worst and then i took some medical advise. panic attacks went away but the think with breathing was there .... finally when i started working again just left....

**Posts:** 1 · by **Levi Marshall** » Sat Oct 07, 2017 10:42 am

Hi dude I’m the same as you when I have panic my breathing gets horribles feels like I’m going to forget how to breath, I can’t even leave my house cause of it I’m always fatigued it sucks message me on Facebook Levi Marshall from Cardiff I have 2 profiles add the both it’s me an my child

**Posts:** 7 · by **Andrewske2** » Mon Oct 09, 2017 4:29 am

You're not alone I suffer from OCD in about 3 to 4 times a year I go through breathing issues where I am absolutely convinced I am lung cancer COPD really try to correct your posture and start learning how to breathe differently the thing that helps me best is doing an anxiety DVD I have start doing some breathing exercises the human brain is a crazy thing you'll start to question everything if it's a major concern going to the doctors have them give me an x-ray and a breathing test and you will be set at ease unless you're a chronic smoker you're probably fine

**Posts:** 2 · by **aadil** » Thu Jun 03, 2021 7:50 am

Sorry I know this is an old post, but I'm hoping it can help someone in need.

If you’re having a lot of anxiety and can’t stop thinking about a bodily sensation like blinking, breathing or swallowing, then you probably have what’s called sensorimotor OCD.

I’m fortunate to be someone who successfully recovered from sensorimotor OCD. As theres still a lack of information on how to treat it as well as a lack of access to a suitable therapist for many, I've written a brief guide on overcoming sensorimotor OCD at https://sensorimotorocd. net/ It's based primarily on CBT and ERP. I hope it is useful to people who are struggling with this, though of course does not replace a qualified therapist who can address the issue.

Constantly aware of/controlling my breathing?

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

Main Menu

Panic Attacks and Anxiety Resources

Recent posts

Active topics

Contact Us