Let’s Talk About Asthma Anxiety: Embracing the Journey

Asthma and anxiety—two things that can impact your life in ways you might not always see coming. For years, I ignored it, denied it, and kept pushing through, not realizing that these two challenges were intertwined. But over time, I’ve come to understand that acknowledging the connection between asthma and anxiety is crucial for living a balanced life. I hope my journey can help you find clarity too.

I was diagnosed with anxiety in 1985. At the time, I had no idea how deeply it would influence both my health and mindset. While asthma isn’t all in your head, it’s important to recognize that it can certainly affect how you think and feel. Asthma can create a subtle form of anxiety that lingers in the background, silently influencing the way you navigate daily life.

Looking back, I realize I was unaware of how much asthma had shaped my thoughts and emotions. I remember as a child, battling through asthma attacks without seeking help right away. I’d push through, telling myself I didn’t want to be a burden on my parents. I’d put others—like my brothers—before myself, even though I could barely breathe. I didn’t want to seem weak, and I didn’t want to worry my family.

But the reality is, asthma doesn’t care about our pride or our desire to fit in. The asthma beast, as I like to call it, always wins in the end. And no matter how hard I tried to push through, I was always forced to face it eventually. That’s when I realized I needed to embrace my asthma, not deny it.

In 1984 I was admitted to the ER 18 times for asthma-related issues. It was clear that I couldn’t keep going like this. I was referred to an asthma hospital, and though there were challenges along the way (including insurance issues that led to a flight with my mom instead of a helicopter), I learned valuable lessons about managing asthma and anxiety. That’s when I started to understand the importance of taking my health seriously.

What Is Asthma Anxiety?

Asthma anxiety is different from the anxiety you might feel during an asthma attack. We all know that when you can’t breathe, panic sets in. But asthma anxiety is more than just the anxiety that arises during an asthma attack. It’s a persistent, underlying fear that something could trigger an attack at any moment. It’s the worry that something you do, eat, or encounter could set off an episode, even when you’re feeling fine.

This kind of anxiety doesn’t always have an obvious trigger. It's that nervousness that sits quietly in the background, influencing your thoughts and actions, even when your asthma is under control. It’s the constant questioning, the overthinking about what might cause an attack. And it’s the effect of asthma medications, which can sometimes make us jittery or disrupt our sleep, further feeding that anxiety.

And then, there’s the challenge of remembering to take your medications—because when you’re focused so much on others and the world around you, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. It’s a tough cycle, but it’s one that can be managed.

Asthma and Anxiety: A Journey of Awareness

In the past, asthma was thought to be a psychosomatic disorder, and though that theory was debunked in the 1950s, it’s clear that there is still a connection between asthma and anxiety. For me, it was a revelation when I was diagnosed with anxiety during my hospital stay in 1985. Understanding that anxiety was a part of my asthma journey helped me gain control and start addressing both issues with intention.

Asthma anxiety may feel like a challenge, but acknowledging it is the first step toward overcoming it. And the truth is, by taking action—whether that’s with the right medications, learning relaxation techniques, or simply being kind to yourself—you can create a life where both asthma and anxiety coexist in harmony, allowing you to live fully without being defined by either one.