An encouragement

Hello dear people and hyperventilants. For all who do the HyperVen therapy, an encouragement for you! I started HyperVen therapy 2.5 years ago, after years of suffering from chronic hyperventilation symptoms. It really took me years to find out what was wrong with me. And I also tried a lot of things like: various breathing exercises, relaxation exercises and physiotherapy. And I went regularly to the doctor and hospital. My symptoms were mainly:

• Short of breath
• Pressure on the chest
• Nervous feelings
• Yawning and sighing / belching
• The feeling of fainting just out of nowhere (never lasted longer than 10-15 seconds, but made me very uneasy)
• Lightness in my head
• Fatigue
• Bad sleeping
• Mood swings
• Diarrhea
• days from light to heavy depressive feelings
• Feel like going crazy
• Flu-like feelings

I thought I had a heart condition

These were really my worst symptoms. Especially that feeling that you think you’re going to faint. A very weird and scary feeling that came from nowhere. That really made me crazy! Thought I had a heart condition. I became a hypochondriac. These sensations make you extremely uncertain about your own body. All this of course causes stress. And stress is the main cause of chronic hyperventilation. In short, you end up in a vicious circle.

Anxiety exposure therapy

II then decided to follow a fear exposure therapy. And I recommend this to anyone who is struggling with fear. You learn to gain confidence in your body again. You are also going to provoke hyperventilation (which of course I found horrible). But it made clear to me that nothing actually happens. Of course, it took time. It certainly took me 8-12 weeks.

It is so nice to get recognition 

Because my breathing was so bad due to a long period of chronic hyperventilation with main ingredient stress, I decided to apply for the HyperVen program. Somewhat skeptical, of course. But Rob supported me well in this. It is so nice to get recognition from someone who finally understands what you are talking about. And someone who has also experienced the same symptoms. That is already felt like a gain!

You have to learn to feel and let it happen

Soon Rob explained to me that that the fainting feeling could be due to stress release. And that this is actually a good thing. “You have to learn to feel the stress and let it happen”. I used to – because of the fear – jump up and started running around, trying to work against it. This was not easy to get used to in the beginning. Your body is just programmed to startle. But going along with the therapy and after a lot of walking … it went better and better… symptoms disappeared after 3 weeks… then came back again… disappeared a little longer and sometimes came back again in all severity… But my body was getting used to a new way of breathing. And I sometimes struggled for a while. Because all the stress I had built up over the years had to be removed. But I felt good!

The feeling of fainting disappeared

But after months the good moments got longer. And I did not even have high scores in the HyperVen therapy… My scores ‘hung’ around 85 or so, but hey, the most annoying symptoms disappeared. And the feeling of fainting, I only had it once a month at a given time. And after that it disappeared completely. And even if I would get it, now I’m not afraid anymore. I would let it happen.

The sighing and yawning was over

Sports also went much better. I was no longer tired and slept like a rose. The sighing and yawning was over! Now I have had a lot of stress in recent times. And sometimes the symptoms return a little bit. But I know that I always have the HyperVen therapy at hand. And – even more important – I am not more afraid anymore. So I no longer end up in that vicious circle that only aggravates the symptoms. This is what I wish for all of you!

Have confidence in yourself and in your body

I sometimes read your stories on the forums. I then I recognize myself from 2.5 years ago. Nailed to the fear, uncertainty and the pressure of ‘now I want to get rid of it’. But believe me people… HyperVen is THE WAY! But only in combination with a correct mindset. Are you still very scared. Request an anxiety therapy by social workers or ask your GP. Try to stay calm. Have confidence in yourself and in your body. It is actually a very nice saying that says ‘we’re going to have to take things a little easier’.

Try to eliminate the stress factor

Go walking or choose a sport that you like. A good physical condition is also so important for us people with chronic hyperventilation. But walking also discharges stress. I walk, run, and occasionally I go to a yoga session. And I meditate too. I also had to get used to that. But that too is a very good stress discharger. Also find out WHAT gives you stress. And try to eliminate the stress factor.

HyperVen works, I am the proof

But what I really want to say to you is… “you are not alone!” It is indeed chronic hyperventilation! Do not be afraid! Fear is the trigger and fear is really between the ears. No matter how easy this sounds. And last but not least… HyperVen works! I am the proof!!

Good luck and love everyone. And do not give up. One last tip… do not Google your symptoms! Don’t!

Warm greeting for everyone!
Marena