It is also possible that it is not constricting the carotid and is instead is constricting the juglar vein thus making the head fill with blood. Essentially, when you compress the carotid artery, it messes with blood flow to the brain since that artery is responsible for bringing oxygen-rich blood up there. On the flip side, compressing the jugular vein affects how blood drains from the brain. When the carotid artery gets blocked, it leads to rapid loss of consciousness because the brain isn't getting enough blood whereas just blocking the jugular causes a buildup of blood in the brain, which raises pressure and is likely the sensation you are feeling. It may take some feeling around to find the carotid and its placement/depth accurately. And in comparing the carotid artery to the jugular vein in the neck, the carotid artery is
deeper than the jugular vein; meaning the jugular vein lies more superficially, closer to the skin, while the carotid artery is situated deeper within the neck. and takes less pressure to cut off.
For educational purposes, to locate your carotid arteries in your neck, start by standing in front of a mirror. Turn your head to one side so you can clearly see the muscles in your neck. Look for the angled muscles that extend from the bottom of your jaw down to the middle of your collarbone—these are the sternocleidomastoid muscles. The carotid artery is located just beneath these muscles. To feel for it, gently press your fingers along the side of your neck, just next to the trachea (windpipe). You should be able to feel a pulse in this area. Remember to apply light pressure; pressing too hard can occlude the artery and make it harder to feel.
Also is helpful to visualize it. There are some good videos on YT regarding their locations you could watch. Here are general pics:
This is also helpful:
Topographical regions known as triangles of the neck, their borders and contents.
anatomy.app
These posts
may be helpful [
1][
2][
3][
4][
5] to help with your research on how hanging works/method behind it, as would the
Hanging MegaThread.
With whatever you decide, I hope you find everything you are looking for and get peace & serenity.