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Why does my chest feel like its going to explode when people are around?

17 Answers
Last Updated: 04/17/2018 at 2:11am
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Brenda King, PsyD

Psychologist

I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
katiebugg2398
November 14th, 2016 5:14pm
It may be because you have something called social anxiety (aka social phobia). It's an anxiety disorder. If you have it, that's okay! I have it too! Go to a counselor and talk about coping mechanisms such as breathing and positive thinking. That sounds like hippie talk, I know, but it really helps. Thanks!
Maddypunk
April 1st, 2015 2:02pm
Your chest may feel like this due to increased anxiety. If it is active when you are in an uncomfortable situation and or with people, this could mean you suffer from social anxiety. Social anxiety is a very common thing especially in teenagers, Treatment usually includes exposure and is readily available :)
SpiceWithATouchOfNice
January 25th, 2016 5:20pm
Maybe you have anxiety, perhaps that is your issue. Not saying that being afraid of people is an issue because people should accept you.
sillyseraph002
April 17th, 2018 2:11am
you might have something commonly known as social anxiety. the "chest feeling like it will explode" bit does sound like an anxiety symptom. seek therapy
whimsicalBubbles71
December 11th, 2017 9:26pm
Social anxiety is an emotion characterized by a discomfort or a fear when a person is in a social interaction that involves a concern of being judged or evaluated by others. Being around people may make you feel like your chest is going to explode if you suffer from Social Anxiety.
Anonymous
February 28th, 2017 3:31pm
This can be a huge sign of social anxiety. Social anxiety makes it hard for the person to talk to others and it makes them feel nervous and anxious when around people. It can be a very hard thing to overcome.
VladZoran
September 19th, 2016 3:07pm
That feeling of explosion can stem from a fear of being embarrassed in social situations or as a result of feeling like you don't fit in. It can also stem from too much activity going on causing a feeling of being unable to be in control of your environment.
brightWaterfall75
July 26th, 2016 7:43pm
This sounds like an anxious reaction, you might be feeling pressured to be liked or being attached to some other idea, your brain is sensing danger in this and your body might be reacting to all the adrenaline and cortisol your brain might be releasing. Try to stay calm and acknowledge that anxiety is not a bad thing and try to accept it. Anxiety is trying to take care of you. If you feel overwhelmed it's always useful to talk others about this.
riverscene13
May 31st, 2016 10:22pm
It might be that your heart goes to fast and you hyperventilate. It may be severe anxiety that you feel maybe a symptom of social anxiety.
Luckyhottubsandwhiches
April 18th, 2016 12:08pm
There can be a chance you have a mental illness, please read up on our description of Social Anxiety and maybe find someone who you can talk to and give you coping mechanisms
Anonymous
December 29th, 2015 11:36am
This is called social anxiety, you feel that your breathing gets faster and your heartbeat gets faster
Anonymous
November 9th, 2015 7:31pm
your feel uncomfortable when people are around and you also feel anxious and not relaxed and strange
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2015 7:24am
I understand how you feel. Maybe it's social anxiety. I get that quite often but just try to breathe and relax. It really helps
Anonymous
July 7th, 2015 4:59pm
That's usually a sign of anxiety. The most important thing to remember is that everything will be okay. Sometimes other people are experiencing it too but if you smile and act friendly, people usually don't notice. However, you don't necessarily have to socialize, just smile and listen to others talk and that can help distract your anxiety.
liwenh
June 30th, 2015 1:11am
I am often alone and when I see many people around me, I tend to feel overwhelmed. This could be social anxiety
YourSisterSummer
June 4th, 2015 11:29pm
This is a common symptom of social anxiety. Could this be a possibility? There are many different breathing exercises that you can find on the Internet which may help relieve you of the uncomfortable sensations.
SpiritWolfNYC
May 30th, 2015 9:24pm
Sounds like a bad social phobia. I used to get the same way a while back! The best thing is to put yourself in the situation little by little until you are able to handle it