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Real members of MyCOPDTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Depression And COPD

A MyCOPDTeam Member asked a question 💭
Airdrie, AB

I am a 66 woman on my own. Not a place I ever thought I would be, ending my life alone.
I have had depression as long as I can remember, and each month my COPD gets that much worse that I can barely go out anymore.
That of course makes my depression worse, so most days I sit in my apartment and cry
I am so very tired of all this

Anyone else in this position? How do you cope? I am just about at the end of my rope, literally

July 29, 2020
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A MyCOPDTeam Member

COPD and COVID-19 and depression is a pretty devastating combination. The two you have can be dealt with; the third isn't a problem yet. First, what is the treatment for your depression? If it's just pills, they're probably necessary but I would recommend good talk therapy with someone who is skilled in working with folks who are severely depressed and who also have a chronic condition. Get a referral and set up either in-person appointments or virtual ones. I see a therapist regularly via teletherapy and it works just fine. Learning about yourself and how you can help to manage and control your depression will help a lot.

Exercise is the other thing I'd recommend. Talk with your pulmo about either joining a pulmonary rehab program if they're opening up in you community or starting an at-home program on your own. It's completely counter-intuitive, but exercise is the best thing we can do for ourselves after we've quit smoking. It helps you heart and lungs become much more efficient and therefore you can do a lot more with a lot less discomfort.

These are both things YOU can do for yourself. You can live well with COPD and depression if you work at it. You can exist with them in a lot of pain and discomfort if you don't. Your choice.......

July 30, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

@A MyCOPDTeam Member Hi! If your COPD is getting worse, I'd go back to your Dr. for help with that. Could be you need a change of medication! And talk to him (or her) about the depression too! Hopefully he'll be understanding. How long have you been alone? I'm 78 and know that sooner, probably than later, either me or my husband will be gone. I've never lived alone. But it's also hard to be a caregiver to someone when you have this disease, which is the situation I'm in now! I have a couple of interests that can keep me occupied; music and learning another language! Without those, things would be different! If ever you need to talk, just come to this site because everyone's in the same boat and most are very helpful!!! I'll add you to my team!!
Have a breathe easy night, and stay safe!

July 29, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

Hello betted54. I'm a 68 year old woman on my own. Having COPD and a pandemic to deal with is a recipe for severe depression. I understand completely what your going through. Your COPD is not going to kill you and neither is COVID 19. COPD is a disease you learn to LIVE with. You're not alone, everyone here is so wonderful and supportive. Keep posting, you will learn a lot AND get a lot of support.

July 29, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I get spiriva and symbicort through patient assistance for a low price but I need my proair for my emergency inhaler.any where to get it cheaper?

July 29, 2020
A MyCOPDTeam Member

I know how you feel I am 65 and I have COPD and Asthma.and congestive heart failure.The heat makes breathing unbearable.And with the pandemic your stuck away from people.It`s hard when you run out of your emergency inhaler you panic.Your only allowed one per month.I try to stay strong,I`m forced to be a home body.Hang in there.

July 29, 2020

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