COPD depression and anxiety

[Velda39]

I'm new here. Have been diagnosed with COPD and I'm not coping very well. My depression and anxiety have gone through the roof. I'm on medication for both but just don't know what to do with myself as I feel so low. Help.

[mrsmummy]

It can be an awful cycle with the breathlessness causing anxiety and the anxiety feeding into the breathlessness. Try some reading here:

healthunlocked.com/blf/post...

[Velda39 in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you x

[pergola]

Hullo, VELDA and welcome. Not sure that I can help but you shouldn't feel alone in a depressed state. Loneliness can play a big part. I believe somewhere on HU, there is a forum that you can join. Look up Silver Line and talk to them. You are already on medication. It certainly is time of year for depression. Frankly, for different reasons, I get low myself and especially at the weekends.

You dont say whether you have a family. AS for COPD, there are many in this forum who carry on with their lives. I am a bronch. myself. Anyway, do keep in touch and good luck X

[Velda39 in reply to pergola]

Thank you pergola for your reply. I do have family but even with them here I'm still so depressed and anxious. I have emphysema .x

[Thethirdcup in reply to Velda39]

It's not unusual for a person with a chronic disease to have depression and anxiety. I was DX'd over 16 years ago, but I can still remember having sadness about things I could no longer do. I had what I called Pity Parties with my old Timothy cat, and crying on his wee head till it was wet! Like you, Velda, I was able to get respite from anti depressants, but took a bit for them to click in and for us to find the ones that worked. You're doing the right things, talking here and seeing your Doctor. It will be ok, and if you feel like having a Pity Party, do so. Helped me!!

[pergola]

You can always send me a private message, Velda. If I can be of any help? X

[Velda39 in reply to pergola]

Thank you pergola, I most probably will x

[sassy59]

Welcome to you Velda, it is understandable you should feel anxious and that can and does lead to depression for many. You can post on here and ask about anything and there is always someone who will help if they can. Please be assured we are all here for you and hope things improve a little in time.

Sending hugs and hear from you again anytime soon. xxxxxx

[O2Trees]

It is usual for diagnosis to be a frightening time Velda. I was terrified but now, 16 years later live a good quality life. Im sure it will improve as you get over the shock of diagnosis. Would it be helpful to meet others with emphysema in person? There is a network of Breathe Easy support groups for people with lung disease. There is a page about them on the BLF website - I'll post link in a minute.

Here it is: blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

There's a search box where you can put in your post code and see if there's one in your area. I hope there is one near you. Take care.

[Velda39 in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you 02Trees. Yes I think it would help, and there's one not too far from me, but at the moment I'm unable to drive. I'm waiting on going to pulmonary rehabilitation.

[O2Trees in reply to Velda39]

It might be worth contacting the BE group as some of them organise lifts for people without transport.

[Velda39 in reply to O2Trees]

Thank you. I'll do that when I can get my head around it, as at the moment I don't seem to be able to do much. Can't concentrate on anything!

[Watfordgirl]

Hello Velda, and welcome. It's horrid feeling the way you do but it's very common with lung problems. You've had some good suggestions and you can come back and chat on here any time. We do understand and won't judge you or anything silly like that!

Take care 💐 Sue x

[Velda39 in reply to Watfordgirl]

Thanks Sue. Yes it is a horrible feeling x

[Catnip]

Greetings, Velda

Sadly, COPD and depression do go hand in hand, so if you're already dealing with depression and/or anxiety, it'll feel so much worse. You need to see your doctor and explain the pickle you're in. Meanwhile, there are things you can do to help with depression (and the COPD) -- walking is one of them. Any exercise is good for helping to alleviate depression because it releases endorphins into the blood supply - and they "lift the mood".

Pick some form of exercise that you can do without cringing, and keep at it!!! Once you start feeling less stressed, you can start to live your life with COPD: it's not going to kill you, that's for certain.

Catnip