Can feeling really bad or depressed make it feel hard to breathe?

Question

I don't mean that metaphorically or anything, I mean like it literally feels like something's squeezing your chest and every breath takes a lot of physical effort. It seems like I only feel like that at the same time that I feel like I want to die, and I'm wondering if it's cause the same thing or if it's its own thing I should be worrying about.

It's not panic or anxiety.

For the last time, it's NOT anxiety. Nor is it an attack. It's not sudden. It's more like I'll just be feeling really bad and then I'll notice that it's hard to breath, and not like I'm breathing really fast and shallow, either, more like it's just hard work to take a breath.

Answer 1

Yes, for many reasons.

Anxiety aside...

When people feel bad, they tend to hang their head, and hunch over This actually constricts the airways, which forces you to work harder to breathe. There's other things working at it too, mostly the rib cage, and the diaphragm (ever had that depressing feeling of your stomach dropping out? That your diaphragm refusing to work for you.) And of course, the general lack of energy that depression leads to.

Try standing up straight for a while, and if, in your wretched state of mind, you can think of just one good thing, focus on that. If you can't think of anything good, maybe it's time to go on a little vacation. Get a good look at the stars, or the ocean or the lake or something. Heck, just get a decent homemade meal, and watch a good movie, one that won't make you cry. Maybe find a hot member of the opposite sex that's willing to keep you warm at night... or pretend that's what you're doing. I dunno, it usually works for me.

Being at high altitudes, or having alegies to dust and such can also lead to trouble breathing, but depression tends to make everthing seem worse, so I'd try and deal with that first.

Answer 2

It may not be a panic or anxiety attack but anxiety and depression can go hand in hand. They often are both present when one is. Anxiety can make you feel as if you cannot breathe and depression can also make you think that you are dying. Anxiety doesn't have to be a sudden occurrance but can be present at all times. I know exactly what you are talking about cause I have felt the same way. I have felt too tired or just too bad to breathe. I suffer from OCD and depression. It's all related and I think you should seek treatment. You will feel so much better. Remember, there is nothing wrong with seeking treatment for anxiety or depression or both. Hang in there. It will get better.

Answer 3

Three years ago I met a female on line and I felt I could hardly breathe. I told her in messenger that she was the most depressed person I had ever met and it was hard breathing because I could feel her aura over the connection. Later she seem to cheer up. She felt I had some insight into feelings. She drove eight hours to meet me. The first question she asked when we were alone was if she should go back to her divorced husband.

Answer 4

Yes, it does sound more like an anxiety attack than depression, although the symptoms of the two diseases often co-mingle and it is hard to tell what you are feeling and why. You are probably breathing fast but shallowly when these attacks occur. Try to breathe normally taking in a breath through your nose and counting to 3, then exhaling through your mouth counting to 3 and saying "relax" in your mind. This shouls reduce or eliminate the tight feeling in your chest.

Answer 5

Sam I experienced the same thing when I was going through extreme depression and anxiety attacks' I too wanted to die. I described it as feeling like I had a cement sack on my chest. Fortunately after years of therapy and meds, I no longer want to die and that difficulty in breathing has departed. Hope it is an easier path for you Sam.
-Spec

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Absolutely! I have had anxiety attacks in the past where I just couldn't breath. It is a horrible feeling. Getting out of it depends on you. try talking to someone to calm yourself down or sit in a quiet place - and concentrate on breathing - in through your nose out through your mouth. Clear your mind by concentrating on something positive even if it is imaginary - like picturing yourself on a beach somewhere or something you find relaxing.

Answer 8

II think it can, It makes you feel paralysed to and terrified and like you can't move and everything just feels to big to tackle. Maybe it is like an anxiety disorder, they are often accompanied by depression.

Answer 9

that was how much chest felt when I was having problems..and it was usually when I had severe anxiety...very tight chest..hard tp breathe..hope you are addressing your issues with a doctor

Answer 10

Yes! That is pretty much a panic or anxiety attack right there. You could check if you have any of the symptoms- mebbe you do need to worry about it. (see http://www.anxietypanic.com/signs.html or Yahoo! Health)