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Anxiety Disorders

Exercise should decrease your anxiety

Answered by Dr. Lani Chin, PsyD

Question

Can exercise make anxiety worse? I get panicky sometimes and sometimes after I exercise really hard and my heart gets pounding I get panicky feelings even though there is no reason for any anxiety.

Most clients that I see who are struggling with anxiety do not exercise.  Before we talk about medication or any other part of their treatment plan to manage the anxiety, I recommend exercise.  Most find that cardio can serve as a bit of release which should decrease levels of anxiety, not increase it.  When was the last time you went to see your physician?  Perhaps you are pushing yourself too hard which could be inducing your panic.  Also how do you react when your heart begins pounding?  Once this sensation sets in, try to take a few deep breaths in through your mouth and out through your nose.  This will likely slow your breathing which could decrease your sense of panic.

About the Expert

Dr. Lani Chin

PsyD

Los Angeles, United States of America

Specialties

Anger Management, Gay Lesbian Issues, Sex Therapy, Personality Disorders, Trauma and PTSD, Compulsive Disorders, OCD, Addiction or Substance Abuse, Mood Disorders, Spirituality, Domestic Abuse or Domestic Violence, Anxiety or Fears, Impulse Control Disorders, Relationship Issues, Loss or Grief, Eating Disorders, Depression, Women

License

my_license #PSY 24971