Living with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (copd) can significantly impact both your
physical and mental health. many people with copd experience increased anxiety and depression. in fact, studies show these
conditions are more common among individuals with copd than in the general
population.
managing your symptoms and learning strategies
like pacing can help reduce anxiety and improve your
overall quality of life.
how copd impacts mental health
living with copd presents both physical and emotional challenges:
physical limitations and fear: shortness of breath and other
symptoms can lead to panic or anxiety. this may cause you to avoid activities,
which in turn weakens the lungs and worsens symptoms.
emotional strain: coping with a lifelong illness
often leads to feelings of worry, sadness, or frustration.
social isolation: breathing difficulties may make it
harder to participate in social activities, increasing the risk of loneliness
and depression.
how pacing can help
pacing means managing your energy and
activities throughout the day to avoid exhaustion and reduce breathlessness. it
can help you:
lower anxiety: avoiding severe breathlessness can
reduce panic and fear of symptoms.
improve energy levels: spacing out activities helps you
avoid fatigue and stay more active over the course of the day.
feel more in control: pacing gives you a sense of
control over your symptoms and daily life.
stay active: you can still enjoy hobbies and
activities by adjusting the pace or taking breaks.
tips for pacing your activities
plan ahead: do tasks when you feel most energetic,
and avoid overloading your schedule.
break tasks into smaller steps: for example, clean one room at a
time instead of the whole house.
take breaks: short rests help you recover and
maintain energy levels.
adjust your routine: sit down while cooking, use tools
like a rollator when walking, or choose less physically demanding alternatives.
listen to your body: if you feel breathless, slow down
or stop. pushing through may make symptoms worse.
integrated behavioral health – offers both in-person and
telehealth therapy, specializing in anxiety and depression.
ellie mental health, pllp – provides tailored counseling
services for various mental health concerns.
encompass mental health counseling inc. –
offers individual and couples therapy, specializing in trauma and anxiety.
insight counseling llc – provides therapy for individuals
and families coping with emotional challenges.
in session psychiatry & psychotherapy –
offers psychiatric evaluations, medication support, and talk therapy.
additional resources
american lung association’s better breathers club
in-person or virtual support groups for people with copd and other lung
conditions. offers education and peer support.
social services department
local resources, clinics, and mental health hotlines are listed through
this service.
pulmonary rehabilitation programs
these often include personalized exercise plans and education on
self-management skills like pacing.
remember:
talk to your doctor or healthcare team about your anxiety, depression, or concerns about daily activities.
with the right support and self-care tools, you can improve both your breathing
and mental well-being.
If you’re dealing with anxiety
or other mental health issues related to COPD, the following services in, can
help:
Integrated Behavioral Health –
Offers both in-person and telehealth therapy, specializing in anxiety and
depression.
Ellie Mental Health, PLLP –
Provides tailored counseling services for various mental health concerns.
Encompass Mental Health Counseling Inc. –
Offers individual and couples therapy, specializing in trauma and anxiety.
Insight Counseling LLC –
Provides therapy for individuals and families coping with emotional challenges.
In Session Psychiatry & Psychotherapy –
Offers psychiatric evaluations, medication support, and talk therapy.
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