How to Get Rid of Stuffiness in the Chest from Anxiety and Overwhelmness?

@nitrogenous,

You are very welcome. I have to agree the breathing exercises are boring and tedious but are helpful in calming you down. Are you seeing a psychologist?

@nitrogenous

It's so frustrating when people mistake the 'paralysis' of anxiety for a lack of effort. I do hear you. Sometimes, trying our hardest looks like just staying afloat, and that is more than enough. Taking your meds earlier sounds like a good proactive step for your sleep hygiene tonight. Be proud of that intention! 💚

Just on the ways to get that cold reset while out and about, I recommend, whether you're near a shop or have a reusable bottle, grab yourself a cold drink. Hold it against the inside of your wrists or the side of your neck. The pulse points there help signal to your nervous system to cool down and slow your heart rate.

If you carry any hand sanitiser or those little alcohol prep pads, use one on your wrists or the back of your neck. As the liquid evaporates, it creates a sharp cooling sensation that can act as a mini grounding jolt.

If you're in a public place, ducking into a restroom to run cold water over your wrists for 30 seconds can do wonders.

I know some people also carry a small peppermint oil roller or a travel-sized facial mist. The menthol in peppermint creates a cool sensation on the skin that mimics the effects of ice.

It’s all about finding those little 'anchors' you can keep in your pocket or bag to remind your body that it's safe, even when the world feels like a lot.

I'm rooting for you with the early meds and the sleep tonight! 💚

@Misty7

I used to have a psychologist/therapist and I have tried multiple ones in the past. However, I have unfortunately not found the right fit 😞 It’s a huge struggle trying to find one that accepts me without the stigma of “attention-seeking” or “manipulative”. Unfortunately, a lot of them if any made my feelings worse as they would invalidate them and kept on telling me to refrain from being honest when being risk-assessed to “avoid hospitals”. I am going to see a new psychologist tomorrow after not having any therapy since March, and I do hope that this can be a fresh start and hopefully they can genuinely understand and belief me…

@MatchaToad
Thank you so so much for your comprehensive tips and advice, it really gives me idea on how I can practically implement this without having to worry about where I am. I am truly grateful for your kind words and I will try my best with the early sleep and meds really soon! Thank you for being compassionate and kind 🤍

Hi@nitrogenous,

sorry to hear that you haven't had much support from psychologists. Hopefully you can get some understanding and compassion from someone who cares genuinely about their patients.

Hi again @Misty7,

Thank you for your kind words 🤍 I saw a new psychologist yesterday and it really gave me mixed feelings and signals about everything, but I’m telling myself that it’s good that I’m always open and honest with her and that if she took it negatively, it says more about her than me. I am trying to just stay positive. Hope you’re having a lovely day x