Unfortunately, chest pain and anxiety go hand in hand. 80% of anxiety sufferers report sharp chest pain during their anxiety attack. Are you one of them? I was. For years.
What Does Chest-Pain Caused by Anxiety Feel like?
Chest pain from anxiety is usually located over the heart and described as sharp pain. The pain usually increases when you breath, but it doesn't tend to continue more than a few minutes. If you pressure the area the pain gets worse (that is a major difference from heart related chest pain). It is usually accompanied with palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness and tingling in hands and feet.
I can tell you right now that this chest pain is not a heart problem! So at least stop worrying about that…dozens of people I know rushed over to the hospital convinced that they are having a heart attack but it turned out to be anxiety disorder!
What Causes Chest Pain During Anxiety Attacks?
When an anxiety attack begins, the body feels that it's in a state of danger and produces adrenaline. Adrenaline gives you "a boost" of energy that you are supposed to use for escaping "the danger". It speeds the heart rate and causes muscles to contract. That's causes the chest pain. It can also be caused by the release of stomach acids and indigestion.
How to Stop Chest Pain During Anxiety Attacks
The symptoms of anxiety attack will positively respond to anxiety-control techniques, like deep breathing and relaxation exercises. Here is one powerful technique to stop chest pain in a few seconds. It is best done sitting but can also be done standing or lying down:
1. Sit with your back straight and your hands in your lap or on your thighs. Close your eyes. While doing this keep the tip of your tongue touching the top of your mouth. When you inhale – do it through your nose. Exhale through your mouth. Ready?
2. Start inhaling slowly for 4 seconds (count them in your head not out loud). Push out your stomach and fill your lower lungs first like that. Then the rest of the lungs are filled.
Hold your breath for until you count to 7.
Exhale comfortably for 8 seconds. Try to imagine that all the anxiety is leaving your body while you are exhaling. You are letting it go.
Pause for 2 seconds without inhaling (very important) and do this one more time.
Repeat until you feel your chest pain gone. And it will be!
How to Get Rid of Chest Pain and Anxiety for Good
The chest pain will be gone as soon as you start to reduce anxiety in your life. That's a promise!
Don't let anyone tell you that your chest pain and anxiety can only be treated by therapy or prescription drugs. Medication is not the solution.
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