I am at a weight loss plateau and I want to do more, higher intensity cardio, and eventually run/walk. The problem is, I can't run too much or push myself too far because I get terrified when I get out of breath and I want to give up. What can I do to overcome this? I am so scared of falling off the treadmill, passing out, and it seems soooo hard to do for some reason. I don't know why my brain is so against this...I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. Please help.

Most treadmills have a build in feature that if for whatever reason you do fall, or pass out or in any way are unable to do what you need to do - have an automatic shut off.

What happens when you get out of breath/ is it hard to catch it again? Have you ever been checked for asthma?

Walking up three flights of stairs to my office, I get winded... I hope some day to not have that happen, but I can ususally regain my breath in a few minutes... I might breath heavy for a while but it's not scary... (and I have asthma, but it's more atmospheric than sports related)

I dont know if this will help but today at the gym i was running on the tredmill when i dropped my towel and silly 15 yo me thought i could jump off the machine to retrive it while it was running, i was wrong and i fell and scraped my knee, noone laughed, just one man asked me if i was ok, i was i got back on and got on with life.

If you do pass out people will only help you.

practice deeper breathes.. be very mindful of your breathing while exercising. .. some say concentrate on your breathing when exercising and there is less of a chance of getting out of breath.

According to my physio, start small!!! Dont expect yourself to be able to easily jump into a routine of exercising... if you do, you probably WILL get out of breath or pass out! The best way to do it, like anything else that is new, start small... do 2 minutes of walking (slowly!), then rest for 1 minute... do 2 more minutes of walking... then rest for 1 minute... and continue this cylce, until you have accumulated 10 minutes of walking. (so it would be 5 sets of walking for 2 minutes). EAch day, try to add 30 seconds to each walking set, and progressively take off time from your resting period... also add a bit of speed day-by-day. Eventually your body will get used to the exercise, and you will be able to build up the walking time.
Just remember to be kind to your body... dont expect too much if you are just starting out with exercising. Start wih small goals and gradually build up. Good luck!

Getting out of breath is one thing, passing out is something completely different. It's suggested before you begin any exercise routine you get yourself checked out by a doctor.

It's really a good idea to do so... especially if you are that concerned..