Exercise can make a huge difference in so many ways! 😀

A good therapist, a cognitive behavioral therapist to be exact, can help you learn to manage and control your anxiety and depression. Meds may hep, especially in the beginning, but the goal is to get off the meds and do it yourself.

Duane, Seems Depression is as bad at times as COPD. I have been on a Low Dose of Alprazolam(XANAX) 3/4 of a Milligram since before my COPD Diagnosis in 2017 for Depression after my Mom Passed, Which caused Stress.
I ended up calling a Crisis Line in 2021, Didn't know where to go,They helped me get a Grip. I also started Walking the Dog Farther in the Mornings and I started Exercising Little by Little DAILY. The Drugs aren't a Cure all, But they can take the edge off with a Low Dose. Walking and Exercising seem to Block out the B.S. Ask us Anything!!!

Depressing thoughts are normal. Thoughts are like clouds that pass through your mind, some are dark, some puffy white... Lots of good suggestions here in this thread to help you move dark thoughts along. Find the ones that help you the most.

I get dark thoughts I like to walk (slowly and while breathing hard) especially noticing things around me. That is my go to distraction.

Good luck.

I talk to my God… get very close to Him and with faith you will feel much better