Still Struggling with Coping
I gave up smoking 5 years ago and I'm so tired of the struggle. I spend a lot of time alone. I tell myself I'm not alone. So many people who live in my apartment building smoke and tell me they have COPD to. I don't know how they do it. When I was a smoker I didn't know at first that I had COPD. I didn't know it would leave me in a state like I am.
I'm still learning to cope.
, I hear how much you are struggling with the impact of COPD on your life. You are not alone feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the disease. There is so much to process and so many adjustments to make. Learning to cope with COPD is a journey. I thought these articles might feel validating. 1) https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping 2) https://copd.net/living/10-steps-coping 3) https://copd.net/living/coping-strategies You should feel so proud of being 5 years smoke-free! That is a tremendous accomplishment and such a positive action to take for your lungs. Even on those days when you might feel like it didn't matter - know that it did! I thought article might also feel encouraging. https://copd.net/living/rewards-quitting-smoking-nutshell
How are you feeling today? Please know in this community, you are among those who understand and empathize. You are not alone. We are here to listen anytime you need support or a place to vent. Wishing you a gentle day. ~Allyson (team member)
CommunityMemberf7e0b1,
I can totally understand your troubles coping with COPD. I was diagnosed two years ago and I am still working daily on coping. Since our environment changes daily, so does our coping methods. Coping is a full-time job. I am married (43 years) and since my wife works full-time, I am alone most days. Even on weekends, depending on the weather, I might be able to go and do some things and sometimes maybe not. Not being able to go and do the things I used to, has changed the way I live and cope. Add in the possibility of flare ups and hospital visits (I was just there for 4 days for a lung bleed), and it can make coping a real challenge. I do my best to fill my time with hobbies (scale model making, working on my chess game, composing, playing, and recording music, to name a few), I clean house, cook, exercise, and watch tv shows and movies. The key is to stay busy as much as possible so thinking about COPD and its many associated problems is not in your mental fore front all the time. Coping seems like a never-ending process. As we constantly have to adjust our thinking and actions to further cope better. I quit smoking 12 years ago and I still get the urge every now and then. But I cannot stand to be near anyone who smokes. I can smell a smoker at the grocery from 4 aisles away. I don't worry about what anyone else is doing, I don't worry about anyone else who smokes and claims they have COPD, I worry about me and taking care of myself. If you continue to have problems coping, maybe consider seeking some counseling. Reach out to family and friends for support. I am lucky to have family within a couple miles of where I live. Please take care and let the forum know how you are doing. God Bless!
