Need some encouragement today. Im 48 and just started experiencing symptoms of intrusive thoughts in March. Then had an anxiety attack. My first. In April and sense have need hyperfocused on my breathing. I know its automatic. Now I have constant stomach aches due to anxiety The breathing is the worse There is no need for me to focus on that In feeling like gonna lose this battle. I'm tired. Everything was good in life in March. Although I have been under stress. Have I gone insane.

It will get better, just try to live your life like you did before the compulsions. And also don't be intimidated by it, nothing will happen. I wish you the best

I have the same thing, it stays with me for a while and then goes and comes back at times. Just don't feed it to much.

I dont take meds and yes it gave me crazy anxiety at first. And the first few times it came back, now I don't give it to much attention when I think about it. I know it's not going to kill me and focusing on my breathing to much makes me hyperventilate. But I'm coping as best as I can and I orderd almigo (Google it) just in case I feel shortness of breath. But don't dwell to much on it, with time it'll get better.

You are not alone! I had my first OCD related anxiety attack about a month ago & I’ve been in the same boat ever since. I always feel like I’m in a losing battle with OCD, each day is so difficult. Just remember that you aren’t insane & you definitely aren’t alone! These intense feelings, like all others, will pass. It just takes time.

Rose if you want I will keep you in my prayers. I’m a Christian. I got OCD when I was 16 and I did get help. There are times when the OCD impacts my life and there are times when I can function normally. The main issue I’ve faced was when I tried to live on my own and move out and when I did my OCD flared up. I don’t get panic attacks. I’ve only had one and it was horrible. Have you heard of Mel Robbins? She has some videos on panic attacks.

Why do our brains do this. I have lived all my life without ocd and I know breathing is automatic

I don't even believe this is me. It happened so fast

Do you take meds. How do you stop it from limiting your life. Do you have anxiety over it? Ty

I mean calmigo

Thank you. It's been 3 months. Im so over it. I want my life back. Started Luvox yesterday. I hope it helps

Another time I would say OCD impacted me was when I was in nursing school but I was also really distracted and I don’t think my calling is really to be a nurse. Basically I failed my first semester of nursing school and my OCD didn’t help.

Sorry my previous post was unrelated but you will not lose this battle! I had a coworker that had panic attacks and I pray for her often. If you would like I will keep you in my daily prayers.

My brain shifts toy breathing even when im doimg task. I've not been able to focus on work. I am depressed about it all the time.i barely go outside anymore. I'm doing ERP. I'VE TRIED so many meds . Laying down to rest my breathing is an interruption. I have anxiety over it. I may check myself in. I have never experienced this before. The last 3 months have totally changed my life.

So your brain focuses on the breathing and it makes you anxious?

Is there an underlying fear as to why your brain is so focused on the breathing

I had an anxiety attack at my friend's house and after that brain has been hyperfocuded on my breathing

Its been almost 4 month

How are you doing Rose?

Are you still experiencing panic attacks?