Can yoga help an anxious person who constantly thinks about his death and has an elevated heart rate and tight chest?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been getting very anxious for the past few days. I continuously think that my mother and I will die someday. My heart rate went from 107 to 157 beats per minute in 60 seconds. I was crying, had bloodshot eyes, and a tight chest for no reason. Currently, I am taking blood pressure medicines and birth control pills. Will yoga help me overcome this?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You seem to have an anxiety spectrum disorder, specifically panic disorder with panic attacks. I suggest you visit a psychiatrist who will prescribe SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Escitalopram 10 mg or Fluoxetine 20 mg, which will help with your problem. If needed, I suggest you take a low-dose Benzodiazepine temporarily. Consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take medications with their consent. It happens when some neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, reduce in your brain, leading to a problem with handling the daily stress of life. Medicines are usually given for two to four months and then tapered off slowly and stopped. After that, psychiatrists usually prescribe the medicines I have mentioned. In addition to the medicines, you can also undergo a few cognitive behavioral therapy sessions from a clinical psychologist. Also, consider doing deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxations daily.