If you’re feeling down about your COPD or life in general, it may be helpful to know that you are not alone. Many people with and without COPD have felt this way at some point in their lives.

Learning how to live with COPD can be difficult. Breathlessness and decreased mobility can be a significant source of anxiety and many people can become depressed thinking about the things they are no longer able to do. You may feel as though you are losing your independence or you may worry that you are a burden on your family and friends. If you smoked or are smoking, you might blame yourself for the damage your habit did to your lungs and you might feel you don’t deserve empathy for your current condition. It is normal to feel these things and it is important that you understand and deal with all these feelings. Your mental health can have a great impact on how you feel physically as well.

It is also not uncommon to feel anxious, upset, or confused when your doctor tells you have COPD. You might feel hopeless and helpless when you find out there is no cure. It is important to realize that although COPD is not curable, it is treatable. You can learn how to live with COPD and get control of your life by taking your medications as prescribed, exercising, eating right, and finding ways to make everyday tasks easier.

Try to stay positive and focus on what you CAN do. There is a great deal of literature you can read to help you cope, many online and community support groups (link), and different professionals you can talk with to help you through this difficult time. Ask your healthcare provider to direct you to options available in your area.

While most literature and people you talk to will encourage you to have a good attitude, it is also natural to grieve the loss of something that was a part of you, whether it be a loved one, body part, or loss of function. It’s okay to feel sorry for yourself. It’s ok to feel angry and frustrated about your condition or limitations. It will take awhile to adjust to this new life and new routine.

Although everyone reacts differently and in their own personal way, psychologists have identified 8 stages of healthy grieving.

  1. Numbness
  2. Shock
  3. Denial
  4. Anger
  5. Disorientation
  6. Panic
  7. Guilt
  8. Acceptance