Can breathing exercises make anxiety feel worse for some people?

Yes, responses can differ. “Breathing exercises” covers a lot of things, and slow, comfortable breathing is not the same as taking big, deep breaths or changing your breathing rhythm a lot. Paying close attention to the breath can also feel uncomfortable for some people.

If a technique makes you feel worse, you don't have to push through it. Try returning to your normal breathing, or pick a different grounding activity.

There isn't one universal calming switch here. Some people find breath counting soothing, while others get more keyed up when they monitor every inhale. A practice that leaves you more awake isn't automatically a failure, but it may not be the right tool when you're trying to settle down.

If you want to experiment, keep it gentle: no forced huge breaths, and stop if you feel more panicky, dizzy, or uncomfortable. You could focus on something outside your body instead, like naming objects in the room or noticing your feet against the floor. If anxiety is interfering with daily life, a health professional can help you find approaches that fit.