Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can have a huge impact on your life. You may find that you are struggling to manage day-to-day tasks, feeling worried about the future or panicky and anxious about becoming breathless. Some of these feelings will come and go. Others may be harder to shake off.
It’s normal to feel panicky when you become breathless. Feeling panicky can however make you feel even more short of breath. Panic increases the breathlessness and this can turn into a vicious cycle. You may find that you are fearful of continuing with day-to-day tasks, in case this increases your breathlessness.
A common reaction is to withdraw and stop doing things, such as leaving the house or spending time with friends or family. Withdrawing in this way can lead to further problems with your physical and emotional health.
If you would like to know more about coping well with COPD and how Healthy Minds can help you, you can download a leaflet from the 'Downloads' section on this page.