I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I have not gotten help yet, but have finally just started sharing this with others in my life. Most days I have a tightness in my chest and it feels like the only time I can catch a deep breath is when I yawn. Do you think this is related?

--Monica

Congratulations on starting to share your situation and feelings with other people in your life. I know it can be hard, but doing so can also bring a valuable sense of support and comfort to our lives. And often we end up learning that others experience similar problems and thus don't feel as alone or different.

You ask whether the tightness in your chest might be related to your anxiety and panic attacks. I can't speak specifically about your situation, of course, without a thorough assessment. But I can tell you that anxiety and nervous tension frequently manifest in muscular tension -- stress-related headaches, for instance, often result from neck and shoulder muscles chronically tensed under the "fight or flight" response of the body to stress. (This is an animal's automatic response to perceived danger, when the animal gets ready to fight or to flee.)

Many people, when anxious, feel a tightness in their chests or have difficulty breathing deeply due to tensed muscles of the abdomen and diaphragm. Unfortunately, that difficulty inhaling and exhaling fully can itself make the problem worse, by not allowing the lungs to expel enough carbon dioxide and fully oxygenate the blood. That's why deep-breathing exercises often help people relax.

You can find out more about deep breathing and other relaxation techniques from a mental health professional experienced in treating anxiety and panic attacks. I hope you'll continue your courageous journey toward healing by consulting such professionals or books. Good luck.