Depressed and anxious.

By hazejames

1 min read

I'm a 58yr old mother/grandmother of 8 and newly engaged! I was diagnosed about 12yrs ago with moderate/severe copd. Not sure if we have 'stages' of the disease in the U.K. I had smoked for 30yrs, stopped 11 yrs ago. I'm on a few meds plus heart meds for recently diagnosed cardiomyopathy. I also had a kidney removed last yr due to cancer. I feel my COPD has worsened lately and couldn't complete the breathing tests (anxiety doesn't help). If I have one regret in life it's that I ever smoked a cigarette! It's good to be able to read other people's stories.

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Meaghan ConeysModerator
Hi Hazejames, Thank you so much for sharing your story with us. We are grateful you have found our community here. Firstly, congrats on the engagement! It sounds like you have many loving and supportive people around you, which is so wonderful to hear! Regarding your comment about the stages of COPD, I think you will find these articles helpful - <a href='https://copd.net/basics/copd-stages' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/basics/copd-stages</a>, <a href='https://copd.net/basics/copd-stages/stages-explained' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/basics/copd-stages/stages-explained</a>. They identify and explain the various stages for COPD. Also, you mentioned your COPD symptoms have worsened recently. We always suggest discussing with your doctor if any new symptoms have cropped up or if symptoms have worsened. He or she will be able to provide a more in depth assessment and perhaps some treatment options. In the meantime, if you find you are struggling with breathing, perhaps try some of the breathing techniques discussed in the following article - <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/breathing-strategies' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/breathing-strategies</a>. They may be helpful and provide some relief. Additionally, you mentioned experiencing anxiety and depression. It is common to experience strong feelings related to COPD. You are definitely not alone in this. The following articles discuss both depression and anxiety, while also providing coping mechanisms for coping and managing the feelings - <a href='https://copd.net/basics/conditions/mental-health' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/basics/conditions/mental-health</a>, <a href='https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping' target='_blank'>https://copd.net/living-with-copd/pulmonary-rehab/coping</a>. Again, we are so happy you are here. You mentioned finding it helpful to read others' stories, well it also hugely helpful to read yours. Thank you for sharing! Please continue to reach out to us whenever needed. Wishing you all the best. Warmly, Meaghan (Team Member)
Laurie MMember
Congratulations on your engagement. I commend your bravery to look to the future. Dont we all wish we had not taken up smoking! Depression is something I have struggled with my whole life and COPD does not make it any better. Keep up keeping on.