Quick question about stress

[hmpf]

In discussing stress with various people recently, I've become aware that apparently some of the central signs I interpret as "I'm stressed" are not experienced by other people - at least not by the ones with whom I discussed this. So, just to increase the sample size a bit:

When you are under stress, do you experience a slight, but definitely physical sensation of something within your chest constricting, like you can't breathe *quite* as well as usual, or your heartbeat kind of feels weird, or you feel like there's something in your windpipe and/or esophagus? A physical sense of pressure?

Because I feel that a lot, and I always thought it was normal under stress.

Comments

[starwatcher]

.
Sometimes -- not often -- a slight tightness in the throat. Mostly, if stressed, I get short-tempered and have a panicky "I can't cope" reaction.

But, everyone reacts differently to the aspects of their life. I suspect your reaction is "normal", whether or not you find someone who shares it.
.

[nick-101.livejournal.com]

I have that feeling a lot. It's very uncomfortable.

[svilleficrecs.livejournal.com]

Only under extreme stress, like fear of immediate physical injury or deep humiliation (like exposure to a hardcore crush). Otherwise, I get cheek warmth and slightly elevated heartrate.

[beccadg.livejournal.com]

Sounds more like when I'm having a panic attack or an asthma attack. Of course I lived with my asthma poorly controlled long enough to get used to going about only being able to breathe so much. Scared my doctor when she realized how low I could let it get. She made me get a peak flow meter, and keep track of my flow. Do you know if your reaction is strictly psychological or if there might be a physical component?

[jinxed-wood.livejournal.com]

It sounds to me like a panic attack, which is stress related but at the higher end of the scale. i suffered from these in my early twenties so I sympathise.

[kimboosan.livejournal.com]

My first thought was, "define *stress*"! LOL! Because there are so many levels of it, and it's different for all of us.

For me, everyday stress like being late for work or wondering how I'm going to pay rent doesn't feel that way; and losing my temper about stupid shit like traffic or a flat tire or my cat using important papers as a litter box just makes me sputter and jittery; but I've had plenty of episodes and minor panic attacks that felt JUST like that, usually brought on by higher-level concerns such as grief and anxiety about my life. Describing it as a physical sense of pressure is very accurate, IMHO.

[beccatoria.livejournal.com]

No, for me stress is mostly mental. What you're describing sounds more like a panic attack. Which can be so bad that they're physically painful or really mean you start to hyperventillate but can be more minor, I learned, when Kev got diagnosed with them by his doctor when he started having difficulty breathing and a constriction in his chest but not at a level he would describe as painful, but rather simply uncomfortable, distracting and stressful. His doctor also didn't prescribe anything at that time because it was minor and had started suddenly (due to a specific real life issue that was ongoing) and figured he'd give it time to resolve on its own, which it did (this was a looong time ago before he totally freaked out again!), but if you're had this your whole life it might be worth telling someone either a doctor or psychiatrist since I think you're planning to see one anyway?

Either way *hugs* Sorry I haven't been around much lately.

[tazlet.livejournal.com]

What you describe are classic symptoms of stress for many people - can lead to panic attacks or a stress induced asthma attack (I've had both happen) if you find it too uncomfortable, try running cold water over your hands (sticking your fingers in ice water works) or a cold towel on you face. You can also try inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, very slowly to a count of ten. There's truth to changing the physical response changes the feeling. Try exercising, particularly yoga, if you have the time.

[dune-drd.livejournal.com]

Mostly under extreme stress only, under extreme - and most of all temporary! - circumstances. It sneaks up on me sometimes as well, so I'd say it's a classic stress thing. Nevertheless, I'd go and see a doctor (I typed that with a capital D at first...) if it stays for longer. You never know what hides under that mega symptom 'stress'

[dune-drd.livejournal.com]

Also the feeling of being trapped/pressure REALLY gets a kick in the arse if you do what your brain stem wants you to: Start jogging. Go as slow as you need to at first, it really helps!