Most People With COPD Enjoy Good Mental Health Study
The new study revealed that two-thirds (33%) of COPD patients do not suffer from mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or addiction to drugs. According to a new study, the key to well-being is having support from loved ones and not feeling isolated or lonely.
COPD is a progressive and debilitating chronic lung disease. It includes emphysema as well as chronic bronchitis. Researchers noted that the condition was previously linked to mental health issues.
Senior researcher Esme Fuller Thomson, director of the Institute for Life Course and Aging of the University of Toronto, said that “this is not an easy disease.”
It is encouraging to see that COPD sufferers, which can make it difficult to breathe and affect their ability to work or participate in family activities, are now thriving mentally.
Fuller-Thomson, along with her colleague Sally Abudiab (a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work), looked at the mental health of 703 COPD sufferers. 67% of participants had excellent mental health, according to the study.
Fuller-Thomson defined happiness as being content with one’s life, being socially and psychologically well-being and not being depressed, anxious, suicidal, or dependent on drugs.
Researchers found that those living in isolation were more likely to have poor mental health.
COPD is a common lung disease. It’s most often caused by smoking. However, some people who have smoked for many years don’t get it. Some people get COPD even though they’ve never smoked. COPD is characterized by a combination of chronic bronchitis (a persistent cough) and lung damage (emphysema). You may not realize you have COPD until it is too late. You’ll notice a persistent cough day after day. You will feel tired and have difficulty catching your breathe. Your doctor will be able to tell you if this is COPD. You will need to blow as hard as possible into a machine and hold it for as long as you can. This is called spirometry. A blood test may be required to check the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. COPD is a chronic disease that can be fatal if you don’t have treatment. There are many ways to manage the condition and make it easier for you to breathe. Stop smoking. This will reduce the damage to your lungs.
Short Information
Care for your mental health and physical health is equally important when you have COPD. You can manage COPD by learning how to cope with anxiety and depression and getting treatment for depression.
Table of Contents
COPD and Your Emotions
For many reasons, COPD can have a negative impact on your mood and emotions.
It is impossible to do everything you used to.
It may be necessary to take things slower than you used.
Sometimes you may feel tired.
It is possible to have trouble sleeping.
COPD can make you feel embarrassed or even blamable.
It is more difficult to reach out and do things, so you may feel isolated.
Breathing problems can cause anxiety and stress.
These factors can all make you feel anxious, stressed, or depressed.
COPD: How your emotions can affect COPD
COPD can affect how you feel about your self. How you feel about yourself and your COPD symptoms can have an impact on how you take care of yourself.
Depressed people with COPD may experience more flare-ups, and may need to visit the hospital more frequently. Depression can affect your motivation and energy. Depression can make it less likely that you will:
