Copping pain depression

So sorry you are having a rough time right now, but at least you are aware and seeking help or trying to. Just so you know, I am stage 4, 60 years old and not ready to give up yet. I have been and still at times go to the dark spot you are in. Just have to figure out how to get the head back on track. It stinks, it can be done.


Did you know that your Primary Care Doctor can help with the depression, at least get you started while waiting to see a mental health care provider. Make an appt for such a thing, talk to the doc candidly like normal about your feelings. Then see what he/she says. Mine started me on antidepressants until we found one that worked. Offered coping skills other then meds, just some misc advise. Great place to start most Health Issues. Actually now my PC does most of my mental care meds if changes are needed for any reason.


Insurance Co woes. Keep up the good fight. If able to change, try that too. Sorry I have been fortunate, knocking on wood that continues.


Loosing abilities. I am sure you are aware that the depression causes you even more problems there too. Sad to say, but it does. Yes, you might have lost some or much of your abilities, but maybe you can gain a little back or even news ones.
+ first things I lost was my favorite go to night hobbies, not course COPD, but my RA (rheumatoid arthritis and more). Knitting, crocheting, needlwork, that type of thing. No brainers so I could sit with hubby to watch his TV. Anyway, I started coloring, yes with crayons at first for I could hold them and that is what I had, drawing more own pictures something too! Ended sending them to my grandkids for their refrigerator. Then I descided to take those recipes "only I made" and made those recipes to share with those that might want to try to make them if I am not able. Sent them out and all were really happy. That took quite sometimes for it was , that amount looks about right, 2 gulps of this and a big pinch of that. I worked them out though, ended up making me a couple meals out of it and everyone including myself was happy about it!
+ Set a realistic goal (s) for each day. It might start out something small right now, like making sure you get out of your PJ"s (not being funny about this) or today I take a shower/ bath no matter what. One accomplishment to start with daily and reaching it is realistic at this time in life it turns in to happier day! As time goes on, add a little something else. It might be dust the living room and take a shower/bath. day 2 might be get a load of laundry ready to wash and dry. Hey just getting that load the laundry is enough when breathing is hard, that 's a great goal and then start the washing machine the next day, dyer too of course for you don't need stinky clothes. Time will get you back in to some sort of new routine. Start simple work your way back up, each day is a new day.
+ take meds as prescribed, if you question when or how, ask that doctor of your's make them work for you, not you for them. If the meds are working as well as they use too, let you doctor know ASAP so they can make any adjustments needed, don't wait please.

That's a few things I can think of right now, I'm tired finishing a breathing treatment before bed. Please reach out if I can help or others can try to help any further.


Hugs and caring thoughts heading your way, Doris

Thanks those were good tips. I will try them. I have doctors appt soon and will discuss my depression issues with him big hug back to you thank you so much need that it did give me some hope