What To Say to Someone Who Has Been Diagnosed With COPD

I will be honest with you. When someone is diagnosed with a disease, it's not easy for me to come up with the right words to say to them.

Choosing the right words is something I have long struggled with. I know, from listening to conversations, that I am not alone in this struggle.

So, that said, I thought it would be neat to come up with a list of considerate comments to express to someone diagnosed with COPD. I have come up with some of these on my own, and I have also been helped by other healthcare friends and people living with COPD.

Thoughtful things to say to someone with COPD

Here are some considerate things to say to people living with COPD.

Comfort and support

• I want you to know that I am here for you."
• "I'm sorry to hear about your COPD diagnosis. If you ever need anything, I'm just a call away."
• "Understanding that this is a lot to process, please remember you're not alone. I'm here to support you in any way you need."
• "If you'd like, I can accompany you to doctor's appointments. Your well-being is important to me."
• "Whether it's a good or tough day, I'm here to support you through the ups and downs."
• "I know that sometimes plans might need to change. Your health comes first, and I'm flexible and understanding."
• "Flare-ups can be challenging, but remember, setbacks don't define you. I'm here to support you through the good days and the bad days."
• "If you ever want to talk about what you're going through, I'm ready to listen. Your feelings, whether frustrations or victories, matter to me."
• "Taking care of yourself is the priority. Let me know if there's anything specific you need on those rough days. I'm here to help however I can."
• "It is not your fault you got this disease. COPD is a complex disease resulting from a variety of factors, many of which are out of your control. Let's focus on what you can do now to manage this disease."

Providing information and resources

• “I’d be happy to help you learn more about COPD. We can navigate this together."
• "Let's explore resources together to better understand COPD."
• "There are communities and support groups where you can connect with others facing similar challenges. I can help you find them."

Navigating COPD

• “We’re in this together. If there's anything you're unsure about or need assistance with, I'm here to help."
• "Learning about COPD can be a journey. I'm here to support you as we navigate and understand this with you."

Providing support after diagnosis

When someone you care about receives a COPD diagnosis, it can stir up a mix of emotions. It's crucial to choose your words carefully to provide comfort and support during this challenging time.

The comments listed above are just a starting point. The most important thing is to be genuine and offer your loved one unwavering support.

Let them know that you are there for them, no matter what.