Easy Read: Understanding Anxiety and COPD – Learning to Pace Yourself, text and questions

 

What is COPD?
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a lung condition that makes it hard to breathe.

How COPD can affect your feelings
Living with COPD can make you feel worried, sad, or frustrated. You might also feel lonely if it’s hard to go out or do activities. Shortness of breath can make you anxious and even cause panic.

Why pacing helps
Pacing means managing your energy during the day. It helps you:

• Lower anxiety: Less shortness of breath means less panic.

• Stay active: You can still enjoy hobbies and activities.

• Improve energy: Taking breaks stops you from getting too tired.

• Feel in control: You decide your pace, not your symptoms.

Tips for pacing your activities

• Plan ahead: Do important tasks when you have more energy.

• Break tasks into steps: For example, clean one room at a time.

• Take breaks: Short rests help you recover.

• Adjust your routine: Sit down while cooking or use a walking aid.

• Listen to your body: Slow down if you feel breathless. Don’t push yourself too hard.

Support for anxiety and depression
If you feel anxious or depressed because of COPD, help is available:

• Integrated Behavioral Health: In-person or online therapy.

• Ellie Mental Health, PLLP: Counseling for different mental health needs.

• Encompass Mental Health Counseling Inc.: Therapy for trauma and anxiety.

• Insight Counseling LLC: Therapy for families and individuals.

• In Session Psychiatry & Psychotherapy: Psychiatric help, medication, and talk therapy.

Other helpful resources

• American Lung Association – Better Breathers Club: Support groups for people with lung conditions.

• Social services department: Local clinics, hotlines, and resources.

• Pulmonary rehabilitation programs: Exercise and education to help you manage COPD and pacing.

Remember:
Talk to your doctor about your anxiety, depression, or worries about daily activities. With the right support and pacing strategies, you can improve your breathing and your mental health.

Quiz: Understanding Anxiety and COPD

1. What does COPD affect?
a) Your lungs
b) Your eyes
c) Your teeth

2. Which feelings are common in people with COPD?
a) Happiness only
b) Worry, sadness, or frustration
c) No feelings at all

3. What is pacing?
a) Running very fast
b) Managing your energy and activities during the day
c) Ignoring your symptoms

4. How can pacing help you?
a) Make you more tired
b) Reduce anxiety and help you stay active
c) Make COPD worse

5. What should you do if you feel breathless?
a) Keep pushing yourself
b) Slow down or rest
c) Ignore it

6. Name one type of support for mental health for people with COPD.
a) Integrated Behavioral Health
b) Watching TV
c) Sleeping all day