Is anxiety common with COPD?
Yes, anxiety is very common among people living with COPD. The connection between COPD and anxiety is well-established, and many people experience both conditions together.
People with chronic conditions like COPD are at higher risk for developing anxiety, particularly when dealing with Show Full Answer
Is anxiety common with COPD?
Yes, anxiety is very common among people living with COPD. The connection between COPD and anxiety is well-established, and many people experience both conditions together.
People with chronic conditions like COPD are at higher risk for developing anxiety, particularly when dealing with uncertainties about disease progression and what might happen in the future. The physical symptoms of COPD can trigger anxiety, and conversely, anxiety can make breathing difficulties feel worse.
Why does COPD cause anxiety?
Several factors contribute to anxiety in COPD:
- Uncertainty about the disease progression
- Fear about breathing difficulties and shortness of breath
- Reduced mobility and independence
- Changes in daily activities and relationships
- Spending long periods at medical appointments
- Sleep issues that affect quality of life
A MyCOPDTeam member shared: "I finally came to realize that my fears about having COPD and what that could potentially mean were ADDING to my difficulty breathing. Once I consciously decided to relieve myself of that burden I could better focus on managing my COPD."
Getting help matters
Treating anxiety alongside COPD is important. Working with both your healthcare provider and mental health professionals can help improve both your physical symptoms and overall quality of life. Talk therapy, medication, or a combination of both can be effective treatments.
February 26
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