Ive just been diagnosed with COPD, buT have mental health issues

[grannymaria]

I have suffered from long term chronic depression, Anxiety and panic attacks for yrs which are brought on by stress and since being diagnosed with Copd things are just getting worse(Tight chest brings on panic attack and vice versa). Please any advice about this would be gratefully accepted thx

[katieoxo60]

Mental health issues really need professional help, your COPD is added stress so it's bound to make you feel worse emotionally seek help quickly.Best wishes

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A bad time finding out about lifetime illness without being ill already think the same as katieoxo60 more help wanted now than before the doctors told you what was going on.

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Hi Maria,

I too am like you...20+ years of depression treatment (including ECT) when I found out I had COPD. Also anxiety...on 30mg diazepam pd too. I have had a little over a year to get used to it and please believe me when I say that the worst thing you can do is panic - it's not a death sentence although when first hit with the news it can feel like it.

If you want to chat you can message me privately...click on my ID and message.

You have managed to survive so far with your depression and you still will, I'm sure Hun.

Lucky

xxx

[cofdrop-UK]

Hi grannymaria

Really sorry to hear about your ongoing problems with depression, anxiety and panic attacks along with your dx of copd.

It may be helpful for you to contact BLF on 03000 030 555 on Monday - they have lovely nurses and councillors who will understand the issues you have.

Have you ever had cognitive behavour therapy? CBT gives you techniques to be able to turn negative thoughts into positive and can help you become more in control of panics than they are of you. Fight or flight responses are normal and it is what makes us run out of the way or stand our ground when in danger, but they come at inappropriate times when the fear is perceived though not actual. Not that this makes it any less real or frightening.

I have put up a link for you to look at. If you feel you need to talk to someone before Monday you will see they have a number you can call up to 10pm.

nopanic.org.uk/

Good luck hun

Love C x

[teabag333]

Hello grannymaria,

I too suffer long term mental illness and was diagnosed with COPD 2 years ago although the copd is mainly due to me smoking for 60 years. Have you got a CPN? you could talk to about the anxiety, etc. You can message me if you like. I promise I will reply. That way to discuss more in private.

Take care

teabag ( Marina )

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Good advice from cofdrop......A CPN is a better choice than chatting to complete strangers,who already have there own problems,as there is a good chance you can take on some of there worries.BEEN DOWN THAT ROAD MYSELF............. SEE YOUR GP AND ASK TO BE REFFERED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE........Then when you gain more confidence then is the time,,for chatting.....keep well within yourself grannymaria

[Sandyblues]

I have a history of the same problems and I really feel for you.I hope things get better for you soon best wishes Sandy Bluesxx