Overcoming Anxiety: Managing Palpitations and Breathing Difficulties

Q: Overcoming Anxiety: Managing Palpitations and Breathing Difficulties

Hello, internet user： Please do not worry. <br>Sometimes it is normal to feel fear, but this is just a part of the anxiety disorder. <br>It's important to understand that this will not lead to any physical sequelae or death. <br>These psychosomatic symptoms can improve with prope

Fear of palpitations and shortness of breath issues?

Hello, I have recently been seeing a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with somatic symptom disorder due to anxiety stemming from physical ailments.
The doctor prescribed me Anxiolytic tablets and Beta-blockers to be taken after meals, as well as Shurmen and Liyou enteric-coated tablets to be taken before bed.
Regarding my stomach issues, I followed the doctor's advice to only take Pantoprazole, discontinuing the use of Prochlorperazine, as I had experienced restlessness before visiting the psychiatrist.
Prior to this, after receiving the High-End vaccine, I experienced palpitations in the middle of the night, which caused me significant fear and led to prolonged insomnia.
Subsequently, I visited my family doctor, who conducted a CT scan, blood tests, chest X-ray, and an electrocardiogram.
Upon follow-up, the doctor confirmed that everything was normal.
Later, after reviewing my medical history, the allergist ENT specialist expressed concern about my psychosomatic condition.
The doctor, being very kind, noted that I was on a relatively high number of medications and prescribed me Loratadine, Cetirizine, and a nasal spray.
The onset of my issues began on May 26, when I experienced palpitations and shortness of breath at night, coinciding with the peak of the pandemic, which heightened my anxiety and disrupted my sleep.
Recently, I have even experienced symptoms similar to restless legs, with a slight aching and itching sensation in my knees, which I can alleviate by bending my legs, elevating them, or sleeping on my stomach.
However, since I had similar experiences in my childhood, the ENT specialist believes it may be more related to my recent attempts to improve my gastrointestinal condition through exercise.
A month later, as the pandemic eased, I was able to undergo an endoscopy, which revealed esophagitis and Barrett's esophagus.
After treatment, my condition improved, but due to allergies, I experienced some nasal congestion, which I mistakenly interpreted as shortness of breath.
Consequently, I became more sensitive to feelings of breathlessness and palpitations during sleep.
Currently, I am on a three-month medication regimen for my esophageal issues, and I have been taking the medication for about a month and a half, with my condition stabilizing.
My recent allergy issues have also improved significantly, entering a more moderate treatment phase to address my enlarged turbinates (with the aforementioned medications and nasal spray).
I generally feel stable after taking my medications, but I am still very afraid of napping and nighttime sleep, fearing poor sleep quality and the recurrence of palpitations and breathlessness.
Today, while attempting to practice napping, I felt a slight heartbeat while lying flat, which triggered thoughts of palpitations and led to some panic.
Despite feeling that my breathing is generally smooth after my consultations, I still experience fear with even minor discomfort.
What should I do? Am I overthinking my symptoms, or do I have other issues? Should I practice confronting these fears? I am only 30 years old, and I am terrified of living with these feelings of fear in the future.
Please help me understand the path to mental recovery.
Can I heal? I work as an illustrator and am currently working when I feel well, hoping for improvement.
Although I have started treatment, I still feel very scared and helpless.

Wayne Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/02

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

Hello, internet user: Please do not worry.
Sometimes it is normal to feel fear, but this is just a part of the anxiety disorder.
It's important to understand that this will not lead to any physical sequelae or death.
These psychosomatic symptoms can improve with proper treatment and learning to relax.
Dr.
Wu Enliang

Reply Date: 2021/09/02

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your experiences and concerns. It sounds like you have been going through a challenging time with anxiety, particularly related to physical symptoms like palpitations and breathing difficulties. It's important to recognize that what you're experiencing is not uncommon, especially in the context of stress and health concerns.

From what you've described, it seems that your anxiety has been exacerbated by a combination of factors, including your recent health issues, the pandemic, and possibly a history of anxiety. The symptoms you mentioned, such as heart palpitations and difficulty breathing, can often be linked to anxiety disorders, including panic attacks or generalized anxiety disorder. It's also worth noting that physical symptoms can sometimes lead to a cycle of fear and anxiety, where the fear of experiencing these symptoms can, in turn, make them worse.

The medications prescribed by your psychiatrist, such as Anxiolytics and sleep aids, are commonly used to help manage anxiety symptoms. It's good to hear that you are under the care of a mental health professional, as they can provide you with the necessary support and guidance. However, medication is often most effective when combined with other therapeutic approaches.

Here are some strategies that may help you manage your anxiety and the associated physical symptoms:
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a highly effective form of therapy for anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to your anxiety. A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and techniques to manage your fears.

2. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety and improve your overall sense of well-being. These techniques can also help you become more aware of your body and its sensations, allowing you to respond to anxiety in a more measured way.

3. Regular Physical Activity: Exercise is a powerful tool for managing anxiety. It can help reduce tension, improve mood, and promote better sleep. Even a daily walk can make a significant difference in how you feel.

4. Sleep Hygiene: Since you mentioned difficulties with sleep, establishing a regular sleep routine can be beneficial. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, create a relaxing bedtime ritual, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest.

5. Limit Stimulants: Reducing or eliminating caffeine and nicotine can help decrease anxiety symptoms, as these substances can exacerbate feelings of nervousness and palpitations.

6. Support System: Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide you with a sense of community and understanding. Sharing your experiences with others who have similar struggles can be incredibly validating.

7. Journaling: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a therapeutic way to process your emotions. It can also help you identify triggers for your anxiety and develop strategies to cope with them.

8. Gradual Exposure: If certain situations trigger your anxiety, consider gradually exposing yourself to these situations in a controlled manner. This can help desensitize you to the fear and reduce the anxiety associated with it.

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and fearful about the future, especially when dealing with anxiety. However, with the right support and strategies, many people find that they can manage their symptoms effectively and lead fulfilling lives. Healing is a journey, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you navigate this process.

If you continue to feel stuck or if your symptoms worsen, please reach out to your healthcare provider. They can help you explore additional treatment options, including therapy or adjustments to your medication. Remember, you are not alone in this, and there is hope for improvement. Take care!

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