COPD + Stress

Stress is so not good for anyone and definitely with COPD we need to be as stress free as we possibly can be.

At the beginning of diagnosis I believe we have to work hard to stay positive, its not easy, I think we all appreciate that.

I have found that becoming more and more in understanding of our condition, and as we learn how to live and cope with our difficulties, we realise that it is not a death sentence, but life can still be good even with COPD.

I personally found the pulmonary rehabilitation course I did in my first year of being diagnosed an essential self help course run by the NHS for patients with COPD.

I have had many years of learning techniques that help depression too that helps me to this day. I used to teach relaxation and meditation to help them reach the still small place within that is beyond anything physical. Although I am nobody's fool, I consider myself to be a very spiritual person and I do think that helps us a lot, like Robert has indicated in his previous comments.

Dream Happy

V

I wonder how much of a factor stress is in adversely affecting COPD? I know that stress DOES affect it, but I don't know how much or in what ways - does anyone know how much research has been done on this area?

Robert, I really do know what you're going through with PTSD, it's like some awful vicious circle, isn't it. the copd causes breathing difficulties... which causes stress... which worsens the PTSD... and PTSD causes you to hyperventilate...

Worse, given that both ptsd and copd cause depression, you must be really struggling. It sounds like ptsd is quite a new thing for you as well? It takes a lot of coming to terms with, I know.

Stitch[/quote:9255a932b3]

Hi Stitch and Robert. I know that stress is a big factor in COPD and can have a huge effect on breathing. I also have experience of PTSD and agree with Stitch that this can be a vicious circle. Relaxation techniques can help, as can learning to take control of your breathing. Anyone can check with their GP about help with this, either through pulmonary rehabilitation (pr) groups or through working with a personal trainer or physiotherapist (as some areas do not offer the pr groups).

Jacee

xx

2009 was a very difficult year for me after witnessing two events that left me severely traumatised and hospitalised. The consequences of that were that I didn't look after myself the way I should have and didn't take the time off work that I should have. As time went on I got very run down which led to my immune system being compromised. I had chest infections, vertigo, abscesses, and was exhausted with work, plus as we all know, chest infections can cause a deterioration with copd as was the case with me. I agree with V re. good diet, exercise and drinking more fluids which I have now started to do and noted improvement in symptoms. I have also changed times of taking Spiriva and now take it around 6pm which has led to better sleep and in turn reduced stress. I have also learned to share how I feel with those closest to me who I know I can trust. Have just been cleared by heart clinic and am looking forward to Pulmonary Rehab. As I have said before, I have Abundant Life and am very thankful to God that I am as well as I am. My outlook is quite positive and I do not fear copd plus I have received so much helpful advise from you all which has been a great blessing and help to me.

Regards,

Robert.

Its so good to hear you are doing so well and improving different areas, all the small things we can do for ourselves can make so much difference to our quality of life and outlook.

So glad you have got the clearance from heart clinic too, that's a big plus.

Great you are looking forward to attending pulmonary rehab and you are keeping positive views. We can all learn to live and cope successfully with COPD and it does my heart good to hear that you are doing just that.

I think you will be a great asset to this site as I know you must be to those you help around you.

So pleased for you Robert and thanks for sharing with us.

V :rose: