February 4th, 2025
Shortness of breath can be a frightening and unsettling experience, often sparking concerns about serious health issues. But did you know that anxiety could be the hidden culprit behind this sensation? Whether it’s a sudden wave of panic or a lingering feeling of unease, anxiety can manifest physically, leaving you gasping for air.
Keep reading to learn how to tell if shortness of breath is from anxiety and explore strategies for how to manage it effectively. Take a deep breath and let's begin—relief is within reach.
Shortness of breath, medically termed Dyspnea, refers to the feeling of not being able to breathe deeply or comfortably. It can range from mild discomfort to a severe inability to catch one’s breath. Symptoms can include tightness in the chest, rapid breathing, inability to “catch” your breath or a sense of suffocation.
Shortness of breath can occur during physical activity, emotional distress, or even while at rest. While occasional shortness of breath may not be concerning, recurrent or severe episodes warrant closer attention to identify the root cause. You should speak to your health care provider to further discuss how shortness of breath could be affecting you.
Many factors can contribute to shortness of breath. Understanding these causes is essential for proper management. Common causes can include:
Given the diverse range of causes, determining the specific reason for shortness of breath is essential for appropriate intervention.
Yes, anxiety can cause shortness of breath. This is particularly common during moments of heightened stress or panic attacks. Anxiety affects the body’s autonomic nervous system, which can trigger the “fight or flight” response. This response releases adrenaline and other stress hormones, leading to:
These physiological changes can result in a feeling of breathlessness, even when oxygen levels in the body remain normal. People with anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) or Panic Disorder, are more likely to experience this symptom.
It can be challenging to differentiate anxiety-induced shortness of breath from shortness of breath caused by physical conditions. However, specific signs can help:
Physical causes of shortness of breath often present alongside other symptoms (i.e. chest pain, fever, or persistent coughing). If these are absent and anxiety is a known factor, the cause is likely psychological. If in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for an evaluation to rule out physical health issues.
Managing anxiety-induced shortness of breath involves both addressing the immediate symptoms and long-term anxiety triggers. Here are some effective strategies:
Mindfulness teaches us it is important to focus on the present moment to reduce racing thoughts and calm the mind through mindfulness-based exercises. Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a technique in which you gradually tense and relax each muscle group in the body to alleviate physical tension contributing to anxiety and other symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may look different for each person and can take time implementing lifestyle changes. A few areas to focus on to get started are regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep, these are a great way to lower overall anxiety levels. You may want to also consider limiting stimulants (i.e. caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol), which can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT techniques help patients challenge and reframe anxious thoughts contributing to the fear of breathlessness and help manage their anxiety triggers. An anxiety therapist or counselor can provide tools to manage anxiety effectively and provide a structured anxiety treatment plan. Anxiety medications may also be recommended for severe cases.
While anxiety-induced shortness of breath is not typically life threatening, certain situations require medical attention or a healthcare provider oversight. You should consider seeing a professional if:
A healthcare provider may perform medical tests or imaging to rule out physical causes for the shortness of breath. If anxiety is the confirmed trigger, they may recommend anxiety therapy, anxiety medication or both. Shortness of breath can be a distressing symptom, whether it is caused by anxiety or other factors.
Understanding its nature and root cause is necessary for effective management. Anxiety-induced shortness of breath, though uncomfortable, can often be managed with lifestyle adjustments, relaxation techniques, and professional support when needed. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, do not hesitate to seek a medical evaluation to ensure your health and peace of mind.
If you believe you are experiencing shortness of breath related to anxiety, you're not alone—and help is available. At Clarity Clinic, we specialize in providing compassionate, expert care for anxiety and its physical symptoms, including shortness of breath.
Our team includes both licensed anxiety therapists and board-certified psychiatrists who work together to create personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Whether you're looking for the best anxiety therapist near you to help manage your anxiety or considering seeing a psychiatrist to talk about starting anxiety medication, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Book an appointment at one of our mental health clinics located in the Loop, River North, Lakeview Broadway, Lakeview Belmont, Evanston, and Arlington Heights to take the first step toward relief today.
Can’t make it to our offices? No worries! We offer convenient online therapy so you can access the care you need from the comfort of your home.
At Clarity, you can find the best psychiatrist and therapist near you for anxiety, give us a call and discover how we can help you breathe easier, both physically and emotionally. Schedule your appointment now !
Find a Therapist or PsychiatristIf you or a loved one is struggling with severe anxiety, Clarity Clinic offers a comprehensive Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) designed to provide the support and tools needed for lasting recovery.
Head to our blog “PHP & IOP: Mindfulness Practices for Anxiety & Depression” to read a bit on how PHP & IOP can help with anxiety. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and find the right fit for your needs.
Request More PHP/IOP InformationRelated Readings:
How do you treat shortness of breath from anxiety?
Shortness of breath caused by anxiety is best managed by addressing the underlying anxiety itself. At Clarity Clinic, we offer a range of treatment options, including: therapy, psychiatric care, online therapy, and PHP & IOP Programs.
What does anxiety breathing feel like?
Anxiety-related breathing often feels like rapid, shallow breaths or hyperventilation. You can have a sensation of tightness in the chest or throat as well as difficulty taking a full, deep breath.
A feeling of being "out of breath" even when at rest. These symptoms are typically accompanied by other anxiety signs, such as a racing heart, dizziness, or a sense of panic.
How long can shortness of breath from anxiety last?
The duration of shortness of breath from anxiety varies depending on whether you are having a panic attack or suffering from prolonged anxiety or chronic stress. Most commonly, shortness of breath from anxiety can last anywhere from 10-30 minutes, and can happen multiple times a day. With proper treatment, such as therapy and anxiety management techniques, the frequency and intensity of these episodes can be significantly reduced.
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