Shortness of breath related to depression and severe anxiety?

Hi all. For two days ive been having great depression and anxiety over a big panic attack, and ive been very nervous. Ive been to the doctor again today (who perscribed me diazepam on the first appointment) ive only taken it on the first day... yesterday i didnt take it, as i would like to take care of this myself because usually im mentaly strong and able..., and all of a sudden im starting to have shortness of breath, and cant take deep breaths etc... the doctor said the shortness of breath is because of my anxiety. im also having trouble sleeping because i stop breething as i fall asleep, only to wake up very nervous again. So now i decided to take diazepam only before going to sleep, and during the day time take nothing at all... Im not very keen on accepting the doctors opinions that the shortness of breath is caused by anxiety but
I just would like to know, coming from people with the same problems as me, if shortness of breath is normal when you are depressed and very anxious?

The shortness of breath is kind of in your head. Because you have such severe anxiety, your brain is screaming at you "SOME THING IS WRONG" again and again. When your brain is telling you this over and over again it is hard to trust others when they tell you that you are actually okay, and that besides for your anxiety condition nothing is wrong with you. When it comes to mental disorders and diseases your best bet is to trust your doctors judgement. They not only have lots of training in the subject but they also have a outside look at the problem. Meaning when a person has a mental/emotional disorder it is hard to trust your own self assessment of what is wrong with you. This is because you are unable to be sure that the disorder is not skewing your judgement. Does that make sense? I hope so that is the best I got. In conclusion Listen to your doc, take your medication when they tell you too, and report any adverse reactions to your doctor. Do this and you will be just fine I am sure.
So take a deep breath.......In...................and out........... It will be okay I promise :-)

yes, you can force yourself into anxiety attacks or panic attacks which cause the shortness of breath.
If you feel this drug isn't helping, you have rights. Ask for something else or see another professional. Most insurances pay for second opinions.

Yes. I have had what you are going through. I gave up on the meds, don't fill your body with drugs, doctors only want to meet their targets these days. What i found out that exercises, mostly long walks, and a healthy diets and a little meditation will help you to no end. Don't despair or fall into bad thoughts like suicide, the world really is a better place with you alive. Just keep trying new things. I hope you pull through, i feel for you.

Not for me but i have heard of it being that way for other people.
Why did you go back to the same doctor today?Why not get a second opinion?
I really feel strongly that you should.Not because I think your Doctor is wrong but because you need to take the medicine as prescribed.I can understand that would be hard if you didn't trust it.I think you should tell the new doctor that you were afraid to take medicine from other doctor and let him know up front if he prescribes something and your not sure.Maybe you should commit to taking it for a certain period of time.Ask if after that,if you wanted to stop taking it could you just stop.Because there is some meds that you can't just quit with out bad side effects.

How do you know you stop breathing when you fall asleep?
Have you actually been diagnosed with that sleep disorder or are you just afraid that you do?
You may not be able to take care of this yourself.Sometimes you have to let go and allow and trust someone else to help you.
If you have someone you know family or friend that could go to doctor with you and help you make sure your doctor truly understands your symptoms. well thats all I can think of.Good luck.

yes unfortunatly it is very commen with anxiety to have sob and trouble taking deep breaths. ive had the same issues for years. i recently went on zoloft and it has honestly saved my life. i am living again. try an ssri first before u go to a benzo which is what your dr gave u. ive tryed lots of meds and paxil worked great for me but it causes mega weight gain and some meds made me worse. zoloft is great except sometimes i feel slightly clouded but im hoping my body will adjust with time. good luck.