COPD & Emphysema Support Group
COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...
COPD and Depression: How to Cope
When you have COPD, depression can add to your already fragile emotional state. People who are depressed often feel disconnected from their family and friends, and tend to feel hopeless about ever feeling good. This can make it more difficult to take care of yourself and follow the treatment recommendations of your medical team.
If you are feeling depressed, taking the following steps may help you feel better:
Get medical help. The first step in dealing with depression is to talk with your doctor about how you are feeling. Depression is an illness that can be treated. Your doctor can help determine if you are depressed, recommend treatment, or refer you to a mental health professional as necessary.
Stay active. Exercising regularly and participating in your pulmonary rehabilitation program can help to lift your spirits. Julie Walther Scheibel, MEd, a counselor at Concordia Seminary Counseling and Resource Center in St. Louis, says that stimulating your heart rate can help to improve your mood.
Join a support group. Finding a support group of other COPD patients can help, because you can share your experience with others who are in your same situation and you'll know that you are not alone.
Do things you enjoy. Even though your COPD symptoms may make it harder to participate in many activities, it is important to find things you can do that you enjoy. Taking time out for yourself can help lift your mood.
Depression can be a challenge for anyone, especially someone who has a serious illness like COPD. But there is no reason you have to suffer. If you are feeling depressed, talk with your doctor immediately so you can get the help you need to feel better.
You can read more about COPD and depression here:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/copd-and-depression.aspx
Its so important for all of us with COPD to be able to come to a place where we can talk about our illness and daily life with people who are kind and understand with out judgement.
We all have something very pesonal in comon, our every breath.
I hope this helps,
Hope you are all having easy breathing today and enjoying your day.
Love,
Holly
When you have COPD, depression can add to your already fragile emotional state. People who are depressed often feel disconnected from their family and friends, and tend to feel hopeless about ever feeling good. This can make it more difficult to take care of yourself and follow the treatment recommendations of your medical team.
If you are feeling depressed, taking the following steps may help you feel better:
Get medical help. The first step in dealing with depression is to talk with your doctor about how you are feeling. Depression is an illness that can be treated. Your doctor can help determine if you are depressed, recommend treatment, or refer you to a mental health professional as necessary.
Stay active. Exercising regularly and participating in your pulmonary rehabilitation program can help to lift your spirits. Julie Walther Scheibel, MEd, a counselor at Concordia Seminary Counseling and Resource Center in St. Louis, says that stimulating your heart rate can help to improve your mood.
Join a support group. Finding a support group of other COPD patients can help, because you can share your experience with others who are in your same situation and you'll know that you are not alone.
Do things you enjoy. Even though your COPD symptoms may make it harder to participate in many activities, it is important to find things you can do that you enjoy. Taking time out for yourself can help lift your mood.
Depression can be a challenge for anyone, especially someone who has a serious illness like COPD. But there is no reason you have to suffer. If you are feeling depressed, talk with your doctor immediately so you can get the help you need to feel better.
You can read more about COPD and depression here:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/copd/copd-and-depression.aspx
Its so important for all of us with COPD to be able to come to a place where we can talk about our illness and daily life with people who are kind and understand with out judgement.
We all have something very pesonal in comon, our every breath.
I hope this helps,
Hope you are all having easy breathing today and enjoying your day.
Love,
Holly
I agree that exercise is great for copd and helping lift your mood it's just that a lot of people with copd have other illness that makes exercise difficult I include my self in this group.
When I'm having a bad day or a bad hour I have to work very hard to not let it get overpowering. I find belonging to this group works wonders for me and if I can, a walk is great.