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Feeling extreme heaviness in chest
I have faced this in a much diluted form before, but now it has become a bit extreme. Sometimes, I feel very overwhelmed, my chest starts feeling very heavy like I have to struggle to breathe. My head starts aching a lot too. Moreover, there is a constant fatigue that I feel, even if I have had a good night's sleep. Previously, the trigger was mostly when I get a call or text from work. Sometimes, even when there is no burning issue as such and I simply open my work laptop, I feel this way. Now, for the last few days, I have been feeling like this constantly. I feel sick and it is impacting my work. I have also become very irritable and am losing my temper. Can someone please guide me through this?
Answers (9)
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I can help you better with further treatment course needed. U can connect me via whatsapp on seven zero eight two zero two two zero six two.
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Hello
The heaviness in your chest, fatigue despite rest, headaches, and irritability especially when linked with work triggers are common signs your mind and body are flagging distress. Over time, even small work cues (like opening the laptop) can start to feel like a threat, leading to what’s called a conditioned anxiety response.
You’re not alone in this, and the good news is therapy helps. In therapy, we’d work on breaking the cycle between your body’s stress response and work triggers using CBT techniques like cognitive reframing, grounding, and behavioral activation. We’d also assess if there’s any underlying health issue or if short-term psychiatric support is needed to stabilize you first. Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
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Consult
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Actually these symptoms suggestive of an depressive episode , and we can check the intensity by applying sone scales , and you need some pharmacological treatment along with , therapy , consult psychiatrist and remain in touch with that
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if you had difficulty in finding psychiatrist nearby ,you can consult me online
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Hi.. could be anxiety. However will need further history regarding the same to advise appropriately. Consult online for further evaluation and management
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You have mentioned your symptoms in detail that are suggestive of depression*
* Sometimes in depression a person gets irritable on trivial issues, anxiety, lethargicness etc
* These symptoms are impairing your professional life too
Asap, you must consult a Psychiatrist so that treatment in the form of medications plus relaxation exercise should start
*once treatment started, response will be felt in 1-2 week
* You should maintain follow up with the doctor and do not leave treatment on your own, it may cause reoccurrence of symptoms
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Hello, what you are describing seems to be panic attacks(needs further clarifications). Apart from that, it seems there is burnout involved. You might benefit from a proper psychiatric consultation.
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Dr. K L Tejaswini
Neuropsychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Guntur
Feeling fatigue, losing temper and chest heaviness symptoms are explaining that you are having depression.
Headache and struggling to breathe are also present which can be due to anxiety episodes and excess worry.
As these symptoms are increasing and unable to handle the pressure there is need for consulting psychiatrist for better evaluation of the situation, treatment and therapy.
Next Steps
Combination of therapy and medication work better for fast recovery
Health Tips
Try breathing exercises
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Dr. Saloni Seth Agarwal
Psychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi
You seem to have anxiety symptoms with depressive symptoms
Since they are increasing in severity over time ,would advise you to take a consultation for the same from a Psychiatrist (can contact me online too through Practo) so that a management plan can be formed and treatment is started
Don’t worry ,it will improve with the treatment and you will be able to function well too
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Consult a Psychiatrist
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Dr. Vettrivel Arul
Homoeopath
7 yrs exp
Salem
What youâre experiencing is a physiological stress response thatâs gone unchecked for too long. The tightness in your chest, headaches, and constant fatigueâeven after sleepâare signs that your nervous system is overactivated. This is often seen in people dealing with chronic anxiety or what we call high-functioning burnout. When the brain starts associating normal tasks, like checking work emails or logging into your laptop, with danger or pressure, it triggers a cycle of autonomic dysregulation. This means your body is staying stuck in a survival modeâfight, flight, or freezeâeven when thereâs no real external threat. It's not a lack of willpower or attitude. It's a neurochemical loop that can be identified, managed, and reversed with proper care.
Next Steps
You need to see a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist, ideally one familiar with anxiety spectrum and occupational burnout. A proper evaluation will clarify whether this is anxiety disorder, panic spectrum, or a somatoform condition. Depending on that, treatment could involve short-term medications (like SSRIs or beta blockers) along with structured psychotherapy like CBT, which retrains your response to work-related cues. If symptoms feel intense, a temporary medical leave certificate can also be issued to protect your functioning while treatment begins. You're not alone, and yes, you can consult me directly for a focused plan or documentation needed for HR or academics.
Health Tips
Begin by limiting overstimulation. Donât open work emails the moment you wake up. Delay screen time for 30 minutes and hydrate yourself. Start the day with something groundingâlike a protein-rich breakfast with soaked almonds, banana, or moong dal chilla. Practice paced breathing: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6. This resets your vagus nerve, which calms the body. Avoid caffeine, high-sugar snacks, and doom-scrolling at night. Write down one thing that made you feel safe todayâeven if itâs just silence or a warm cup of tea. Thatâs where your healing begins: not in doing more, but in letting your system recover. Youâre not failingâyouâre healing. And youâre not weakâyour nervous system is simply overloaded, and it needs care.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.