Depression and Anxiety
I have had depression and anxiety for a long time now, maybe because of COPD but, I took my medicines for it. Recently, I found myself slowly snowballing back to my old state. I don’t want to go back but I don’t know what to do. Do you have any suggestions? Anything would be appreciated.
Hi again,
, and thanks for your post. As you may be aware, we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), but your concerns certainly warrant a reply. You shared that you have been treated for depression and anxiety for a long time. You also indicated you have been able to maintain control with medications you've been taking. Since you feel you may be slipping back towards having these feelings, are you still taking the medication? Do you feel you might benefit from an adjustment to the medication regimen?
This may be something you'd want to discuss with your physician. Have you had an opportunity to reach out to the doctor?
Please do check back and keep us apprised of your progress.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)Hi There. I too have had issues with depression and anxiety for some time. I find that winter is the hardest time of year. I was told by a therapist that it has to do with not as much sunlight during winter months in my case. She suggested opening the window curtains as much as possible and add more lights such as lamps etc. This helps me and I also use some bright colors indoors to accentuate the rooms. Maybe this might help you some too.
Hi GrandmaLin - That's good advice! I've read that it's referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In fact, they actually make special lights that you can buy to sit under each day that provide phototherapy. However, your suggestion of sitting by a window with sunlight coming in is a good one (and less expensive). I'm glad you've found that to be helpful.
Best,
Lyn (site moderator)Hi
, and thanks for your post. I see my colleague, Lynn, has already acknowledged your comment and mentioned what you've described as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). We appreciate you sharing with the community the way you manage this condition. We appreciate your input and the personal experience (permitting more sunlight in the house, using more lighting and brighter colors for accentuation), you've also shared with the community.
For any of our readers who might be interested, we have a number of articles, published right here on COPD.net, that may offer some additional insight. For convenience, here is a link to those articles: https://copd.net/?s=seasonal+affective+disorder. I do hope they are helpful to those who read them.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Thank you Lyn and Leon for the suggestions and the site links. I appreciate the information and help. Signed up for type 2 diabetes emails that I found in the link since I recently was diagnosed. Wish none of us had these health issues but its nice to know we can find information we need with your help. Hope everyone has a nice day.
Hi again,
- glad to have been able to be of assistance. Please know you are always welcome here. Warm regards,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
Hi GrandmaLin - I'm so happy you found the links and hope they prove to be helpful. Anytime we can help we're more than happy to.
Have a great day!
Best,
Lyn (site moderator)
