Depression

Hi . You will find so many people with COPD and other chronic health conditions who take anti-depressants. I hope some of those people jump in here and assure you that you are not alone.
It's natural to become depressed when your life is so significantly altered and I applaud you for considering medication. You deserve to live your life as fully as possible and medication can help you do that.
Many of my relatives have taken anti-depressants at times. The best advice I can give you is to research the ease of tapering off them should you decide to do that. All psychiatric medications come with huge lists of potential side of effects, but most people experience none of or few of them. Tapering off them when you want to quit or switch medications is a bigger issue.
Wishing you the best. - Lori (Team Member)

Hi. Lori gave you some good info to start with. There are many different kinds of antidepressants out there, and each person responds differently. You will hear good reviews and horror stories about every medication, including COPD medication. It's all about finding the right one, at the right dosage, for your body.

I have been on an antidepressant for years now. I was tired and nauseous while my body adjusted, but after a week or so I no longer had any side effects. Most importantly, I still have all my emotions -- I laugh, I cry, I get mad. I'm not numb, and I am better able to handle my mental health.

It takes some time to build up in your body, so they usually recommend waiting for a month or two before evaluating how well it's working. Remember that you are not married to them and you can always change your mind. Be open with your doctor.

Lori is correct that tapering off medication can be tricky. The best thing you can do is go very slowly, over many months. You lower the dosage so gradually that the adjustment is gentle, and you only step down again when you feel ready. Again, this is best done with a clear plan and guidance from your doctor.

One more thing: If medication doesn't feel like the right path for you, you may find counseling helpful. It gives you a space to express your feelings in a healthy way, while learning coping mechanisms for difficult moments. There are therapists that work specifically with people who are chronically ill, too. The website PsychologyToday.com has a directory where you can search by specialty and insurance.

I hope that helps. Don't be afraid or ashamed of needing support. Life with COPD is hard, and we shouldn't have to carry it all by ourselves. Wishing you the best. -Melissa, team member

Thank you for the info , it helps to hear different opinions .