Shortness of breath or chest tightness

One of the most typical symptoms of anxiety disorder is feeling short of breath or as if you have a weight on your chest. It can cause hyperventilation in certain situations, but most patients describe it as chronic, long-lasting pain. Labored breathing has been related to anxiety disorders in studies, so it's no wonder it's one of the most often reported symptoms across all anxiety disorders.

Fortunately, it's also one of the anxiety symptoms that respond best to mindfulness and meditation activities. Certain breathing techniques that intentionally calm your breathing can even have an immediate and long-lasting effect on other anxiety symptoms.