r/Life • u/AggravatedSlut • 4h ago

Need Advice Curiosity peaking

So I have been dealing with something for well over 20 years now, im 31 about to be 32 in 3 weeks just to clear that gap.

The thing I've been dealing with all these years is that about every moment of the day I catch myself constantly holding my breath. Now to clarify I dont so this as some like sexual deal or whatever, no, back when I was younger I was chillin in my room standing up watching a movie and for a moment I start holding my breath, I keep going til Im about to pass out.. Im lightheaded, room goes dark, I cant tell what's real or fake all in a matter of seconds, then next thing I know im in the door to the hallway...

Now I dont know if this is where it sounds weird but even though I could've hurt myself really bad that day and it probably does a lot of damage to my brain, I still notice myself doing it even when im not thinking about it, it just happens. Now my question is. Is there anyone out there who does the exact same thing? If so, I have alot of other questions leading this ask

3 Upvotes

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u/StripedCat404 4h ago

I only ever did that- to myself with my hands- back in 8th grade. It was a rush. Then girls started passing eachother out. A girl at another school died. She hit her head.

I really hope you are okay, op.

1

u/_kickedout 3h ago

I mean, sometimes due to anxiety I will realize I have unconsciously been holding my breath, because of stress... but then I realize and start doing controlled breathing and feel better

Are you saying you intentionally hold your breath until you black out, on a regular basis?

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u/AggravatedSlut 3h ago

I dong do this intentionally, haven't since the one time ad a kid though. I just notice I hold my breath without even thinking of doing it or anything

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u/_kickedout 3h ago

But you don't black out when you do it every time, right?

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u/AggravatedSlut 3h ago

No. At this point I just get real light headed, dizzy and follow up with a massive 5 minute migraine

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u/_kickedout 3h ago

Yeah it sounds like an anxiety thing then. I don't even think it probably has anything to do with an isolated incident of holding your breath as a kid, it's not like you triggered a pathological condition or damaged your nervous system because of that incident.

Just when you notice it happening, try being mindful of it and doing some breathing exercises to help you calm down. Look up "square breathing." It's easy to remember, just breath in while counting to 5 slowly, hold your breath for 5, exhale for 5, hold for 5, repeat

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u/AriaEmerald236 3h ago

I think they’re just trying to clarify whether it’s an unconscious stress response or something intentional and frequent

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u/_kickedout 3h ago

Did you just summarize my own post to me as if I'm someone else? Am I asking a bot this question? Am I even real?

1

u/Short_Leather_7934 2h ago

I do this when anxious but not that bad. Definitely worth seeing a doctor about.