What do you do when you struggle to breathe when you're crying and things such as meditation and distractions don't work?

Close your eyes and just focus on yout breathing, forget why youre crying for a moment just think "inhale and exhale", think the words, how they are write. Focus on that and it will calm down.

I often hum to myself. It sounds weird, but hearing something positive coming from within makes me feel like I can conquer the negative. Meditation hasn't worked for me in these kinds of moments because it's difficult to seek that type of calm feeling. So I hum.

I put both of my hands on my stomach and focus on breathing with my stomach. Every time I breathe in I make my stomach rise instead of my chest. Having my hands on my stomach helps me focus on breathing because I watch them rise and fall with each breath.

When times are so hard that breathing becomes nearly impossibly as I cry, I usually go for a walk around the block (Or two) with my dog and listen to music through my earbuds.

You could attempt to listen to music, or do some breathing exercises. And of course ask someone close too you what they think you should do.

Have you tried guided imagery? Square breathing: Breathe in for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds, hold your breath for five seconds. Try and be mindful and live in right now. Now, right now, not the past or future, is bearable. One moment at a time, one second at a time.

I have to stop everything and catch my breathe, it also gives time to think of whats upsetting you and how you should respond to it

Me personally watch videos or talk to one of my friends because they can help distract and stop you from crying