Lol so I landed in the ER, urgent care 3 times, had 3 chest x-rays, 2 ct scans and an abdominal ultrasound. Saw 2 pulmonologists, 2 asthma allergy, 1 cardiologist, 1 otolaryngologist (and had a septoplasty surgery), 1 rheumatologist, 2 primary care doctors and a gastroenterologist.

All because I was having breathing problems day to day. Exercising wasn't an issue. I can run 5 miles in 35 minutes or so with no recovery time. My spirometry breathing tests were always normal. All radiology scans and blood tests were normal.

From what all doctors are saying now, it's stress. I had upper GI pressure that freaked me out back in November and the breathing problems happened soon after. They say I have a fear of imminent doom. Meaning, I think I'm going to die and I can't relax because I can't stop thinking about that. Makes sense. I do keep everything inside and I have thought the worst from my symptoms. I also work a pretty high stress sales job with millions of dollars on the line regularly. I'm sure that doesn't help.


Sooooo, how do I relax and relieve my stress? I'm about to go on Bupurion (Wellbutrin). I can't smoke pot or drink alcohol, so those are out.

Thanks!

no idea what is wrong with you, but from what you're saying, i can add this:

i've seen a lot of anxious people, dated anxious people, been friends with people and have even had those moments of "doom" myself where i wake up in the middle of the night covered in sweat extremely stimulated and awake and confused feeling totally awful.

the best thing you can do is ignore it... simply don't give it attention. Don't go to bed afraid of waking up either in the middle of the night or the next morning feeling awful. Just go on about your day do your thing, do what makes you happy... sleep more, have more positive relationships and enjoy life -- if your job is stressful a vacation which is well planned may do wonders.

Don't pick up habits as you said smoking/drinking/masturbating etc. like some people do because those are temporary pleasures -- focus on overall quality of life.

A lot of other people also mask their emotions - use another emotion to cover up fear or anxiety... works pretty well for milder issues in most people lol... but i'd say to give your medication a try first

Smoke some wacky tabacky.

Sounds like you should lessen your work load, a good quality of life is more important than making tons of money but having stress that severe, find a hobby that you can't get enough of, that makes you feel like you can't wait for the next time you can do it, for me and many others here its the gym, but to each his own.

Stop adding things to your schedule. Make your life just a little more simpler - maybe you have too much on your plate? Any time I get stressed I always just sit back and realize what exactly is causing my stress. So, my point, just stop going crazy and relax. Instead of having all kinds of plans for a week, just don't do anything. Come home from work or w/e it is that you do and relax. Watch TV, stop thinking and just breath! You need some 'you' time and you just gotta get away from all the hussle n' bussel.

Hope you feel better man.

Well you know the answer to everything else according to yourself, so I'm sure you'll think of something!

looks like you have anxiety

some ppl will say "lower your work load" but sometimes thats not possible for the time being.
start going to the gym regularly, blast good music in your headphones and focus on nothing else. 1 hour/day of this might change your life. It did for me, although im still stressed as fuck, i can handle it better

I think we talked about work a bit before, i do sales also, work with 10 major companies who supply me daily, teach corp finance to MBA students, operate a trading room, and more...

Yeah I wish I could. I always had the philosophy of "work your ass off now so you don't have to later." I have every intention to retire by age 35. Does take a lot of stress and work to get there though.



Thanks My schedule is empty outside of work. I do pretty much nothing once i'm done work. problem for me is that work consumes me.



LOL, just made me smile. Good point hahaha. I have plenty of hubris, but i'm having a humbling experience now.



Yeah it's tearing me to shreds clearly. I cant lower my work load. I think I do need to start going back to the gym and get some new routines. Yes haha we're very similar in our careers. I was teaching intro to law classes at my alma mater but I gave that up. Now I'm purely just running the sales dept for a fortune 500. Awesome gig, crazy money, but also crazy hours and stress. Apparently living the good life also has it's bad side.

Find a hobby that isn't work... Escape.. it's summer, take a vacation..

Meditation can help.