Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

-eightofdiamonds- t1_j2cjz7j wrote

Reply to comment by rachelm791 in TIL breathing into a paper bag to ease anxiety attacks is a real thing, with science to back it up, and not just something seen on TV/Movies. by OneSideDone

Yes! That’s exactly it. Hyperventilation (particularly due to anxiety) messes up the delicate balance between O2 and CO2 levels in the blood, so rebreathing it helps restore that balance.

11

rachelm791 t1_j2cwykd wrote

And to stop hyperventilating would probably be a good idea too!

0

-eightofdiamonds- t1_j2d22th wrote

Yeah of course, but it isn’t always as simple as that! The fight-or-flight response that gets activated during panic/anxiety attacks can be pretty potent, so it might take a while for someone to regulate their breathing again.

1