Why Anxious People Shouldn’t Use “Deep Breathing"

Why Anxious People Shouldn’t Use “Deep Breathing"

From Therapy in a Nutshell by Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam

May 22, 2026 · 7 min · Episode 250

About this episode

This episode discusses why deep breathing may not be effective for anxious individuals and introduces alternative breathing techniques.

Deep breathing can worsen anxiety and trigger hyperventilation or panic attacks—learn why slow breathing with a longer exhale works better. Check out our FREE Grounding Skills course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Check out our FREE How to Stop Panic and Anxiety Attacks course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/ending-panic-attacks-and-anxiety-attacks Learn the skills to regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell FREE Mental Health Resources: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/free-resources Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content…

People in this episode

Host: Emma McAdam

Topics covered

  • anxiety
  • breathing techniques
  • mental health
  • panic attacks
  • emotion regulation

Keywords

  • deep breathing
  • anxiety
  • hyperventilation
  • panic attacks
  • emotion regulation
  • mental health resources

Sponsors

BetterHelp

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