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Could This Be a Stim?

Butterfly88

Jello Queen
V.I.P Member
I'm on the spectrum and I also get panic attacks. During a panic attack I will breathe heavily. I've tried stopping the heavy breathing but it's hard as I need to get the panic out someway. Heavy breathing sometimes helps me not to scream so I just breathe heavy because it's more socially appropriate. Is this normal for panic attacks or is this stimming? I know the breathing heavy is normal for panic attacks but I'm starting to wonder if I'm continuing the heavy breathing as a stim.
 
I do that but collage and art therapy are encouraging me to stop.

Neither thought whether it could b a stem I do it during anxiety attacks.
 
I'm on the spectrum and I also get panic attacks. During a panic attack I will breathe heavily. I've tried stopping the heavy breathing but it's hard as I need to get the panic out someway. Heavy breathing sometimes helps me not to scream so I just breathe heavy because it's more socially appropriate. Is this normal for panic attacks or is this stimming? I know the breathing heavy is normal for panic attacks but I'm starting to wonder if I'm continuing the heavy breathing as a stim.
It sounds like a coping mechanism or strategy
 
Exaggerated breathing is a symptom of panic attacks. You need to bring it under control because the increased flow of oxygen it causes makes the panic attack worse. (Your body is trying to fuel the adrenaline surge so wants more O2). That is why some people breath in an out of a paper bag.

I used to have attacks that made me wheeze and breath hard- it was blamed on viral bronchitis so I was given anti-asthmatics . So when said wheezing was caused by all the stress I was under it got worse because the anti asthmatics open up the lungs further and do the opposite job a paper bag. Now I'm under a lot less stress I have far fewer wheezing fits.
 
I'm on the spectrum and I also get panic attacks. During a panic attack I will breathe heavily. I've tried stopping the heavy breathing but it's hard as I need to get the panic out someway. Heavy breathing sometimes helps me not to scream so I just breathe heavy because it's more socially appropriate. Is this normal for panic attacks or is this stimming? I know the breathing heavy is normal for panic attacks but I'm starting to wonder if I'm continuing the heavy breathing as a stim.
Im not sure i wish i could help you more.
 

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