Want to discuss this topic in your next appointment?

Add this to your discussion list as a handy reminder to discuss this with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Looking after your mental health

If you think you might be experiencing feelings of low mood on a regular basis or struggling with anxiety, it is essential that you seek help. You may find it useful to gauge your feelings with the NHS depression self-assessment tool below, and then add a reminder for your next appointment in your discussion list.

Check how you feel with the

NHS Self-Assessment Tool.

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Remember that many other COPD patients will experience the same feelings at some point and there is a range of different treatments available, including:3

Medicines

Counselling

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Relaxation therapy

Self-help groups

Taking part in a pulmonary rehabilitation programme can also help reduce your feelings of anxiety and depression and generally help with your emotions.3 You may find it hard to go to all your appointments and meetings but try to remember that they will help you feel better in the long run.

You can find more information on pulmonary rehabilitation here.

Finding support

If you are feeling overwhelmed or struggling in any way, talking to someone you can trust can help. Maybe chat to someone close to you like a friend or family member. But if you don't feel comfortable revealing your thoughts to those you see regularly, that's OK too. Lots of people find it easier to talk about emotions with people they don't know.

Professional people you can talk to include your doctor or other healthcare professionals.

  • You could also ask your doctor to refer you to talking therapies, which may include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
  • If you're not sure where to turn, Asthma + Lung UK have a great helpline you can reach out to. Call 0300 222 58005
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People around you may struggle to understand the challenges you face, or exactly how difficult everyday tasks are for someone living with COPD. These videos are designed to support you in having these discussions and might help your friends, family and carers realise the impact that COPD has on your day-to-day life.

Explaining to others how COPD affects your day-to-day life can be difficult. These videos have been created to help people understand the challenges you may face.

Henry Video

Connecting with other people who have COPD and sharing experiences via support groups can also be really important. It gives you the opportunity to chat to people who know exactly what you are going through and can help with any feelings of low self-esteem.3

Asthma + Lung UK has support groups and forums you can join.

If you would like to discuss any of the emotions you are experiencing, make a note in your discussion list to help you remember.

Want to discuss this topic in your next appointment?

References

  1. COPD.net. Living with COPD. Available at: https://copd.net/living-with-copd
  2. Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD). Global strategy for the diagnosis, management and prevention of COPD. Available at: http://goldcopd.org/2023-gold-report-2/
  3. Cafarella PA, et al. Treatments for anxiety and depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A literature review. Respirology 2012;17:627-638.
  4. Asthma + Lung UK. What's the best way to quit smoking? Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/stop-smoking/quit
  5. Asthma + Lung UK. Useful contacts and support. Available at: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/mental-health/support