Yes, @A MyCOPDTeam Member, depression and anxiety are such a likely side effect to our diagnosis that my pulmonologist never brought up the topic of me quitting work once my stats got terrible and stayed there because he was afraid I’d fall into a deep depression and he’s all about wellness and using what you have to stay as healthy as you can.

After our conversation(s) in 2014 / 2015, we tried a bunch of new medicines which didn’t work, so he agreed to put me out on full disability by August 2015.

While I was jumping through hoops for my employer, trying to find a way to work part time while serving my notice, I went on permanent disability.

My pulmonologist was right, the label messed with my brain and my anxiety spiked. Add in the fact that my employer refused to pay me either short term or long term disability (as promised under the benefits plan I paid into), and I stressed out big time, jumping through hoops trying to survive their bullying games.

I tell you all this to say that I had to find a MFT (marriage and family therapy) counselor with a specialty in chronic illnesses and grief to help me get my head screwed back on properly. I hired a life coach, which was the best thing I could have done.

While I’m a big fan of exercise (and deep cleaning is a form of exercise) to help manage my anxiety and stave off depression, there are also medication options that may help you get out of your own way if talk therapy and increasing your exercise efforts don’t help you bounce back and accept the reality of living the rest of your life with a label.

I hope this answer helped. Hugs.
Saturday night, 23-SEP-23

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A MyCOPDT...

I was told it’s the body’s reaction to limited oxygen in blood stream..body preparing fight or flight reaction..causes stress and with no release it turns into anxiety & depression.
Pulmonary rehab is excellent..6 weeks of exercise and talks that explain, offer coping methods and a good understanding of how your lungs work….or in our case…don’t!

Absolutely can be ☹️ Try to stay active, exercise and get help as soon as possible and come on here for suggestions and support. I have been in a cycle of anxiety causing SOB and SOB causing more anxiety and it's also escalated to panic and agoraphobia as well because of
Covid.
I think apathy is the worst because no motivation means no progress and this disease has a progression that you really want to try to stay ahead of, if you can. But you come on here and you are not alone and you think you smoked longer than anyone and discover someone that smoked non-filter and still can't quit. You realize we're all in the same boat, even @A MyCOPDTeam Member who never even smoked. I ask the dumbest questions sometimes but a couple of people answer and now you have options of information from people's experiences that you won't get anywhere else.
Take what you like and leave the rest, and just keep coming back.

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A MyCOPDT...

Hi. I have the same problems. Doc prescribed antidepressants. Only take minimum dose. My problem is I have to much time to think. Getting stuck in your head is not a good place. I have both Copd and emphysema. I use THC gummies if it gets too bad. Calms me physically and mentally. Lot of people don’t like it but being raised in 60s and 70s I’m more comfortable with that than other drugs. Good luck. 😎

I had my doctor prescribe zannix. It can be quite addicting so use it in moderation.