Copd & Depression

COPD and Depression
The changes associated with a COPD diagnosis can increase your risk of developing depression.

By Krisha McCoy
Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MPHPrintE-mailIt is estimated that 40 percent of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffer from depression. Unfortunately, depression in COPD patients is often untreated, and that can put you at higher risk of disability and death. That's why it is important to learn how to recognize the signs of depression and seek help if you need it.


COPD and Depression: What's Behind the Link


There are many reasons that being diagnosed with COPD may put you at increased risk of depression. Some factors include:

Sleep deprivation. Many COPD patients report difficulty sleeping due to their COPD symptoms.
Appetite disturbances. COPD can make it difficult to eat and can cause you to enjoy foods less.
Lack of confidence. Having to use supplemental oxygen and having shortness of breath, a cough, and other COPD symptoms can make you less sure of yourself in social situations.
Inability to do activities you once enjoyed. When you have COPD, just performing activities you once enjoyed can become difficult.
Feelings of hopelessness. When someone learns of their COPD diagnosis, "the patient has lost a way of life, and they aren't going to get better," says Kitty Weary of West Yellowstone, Mont., who provided COPD care for her father, husband, and mother.


COPD and Depression: Warning Signs


If you are experiencing any of the following thoughts and symptoms, you may be depressed:

Sadness
Anxiety
Emptiness
Guilt
Worthlessness
Helplessness
Hopelessness
Irritability
Disinterest in activities that were once enjoyable
Fatigue
Trouble concentrating
Sleep problems
Appetite changes
Thoughts about death or suicide
Unexplained physical symptoms


COPD and Depression: How to Cope


When you have COPD, depression can add to your already fragile emotional state. People who are depressed often feel disconnected from their family and friends, and tend to feel hopeless about ever feeling good. This can make it more difficult to take care of yourself and follow the treatment recommendations of your medical team.


If you are feeling depressed, taking the following steps may help you feel better:

Get medical help. The first step in dealing with depression is to talk with your doctor about how you are feeling. Depression is an illness that can be treated. Your doctor can help determine if you are depressed, recommend treatment, or refer you to a mental health professional as necessary.
Stay active. Exercising regularly and participating in your pulmonary rehabilitation program can help to lift your spirits.

Julie Walther Scheibel, MEd, a counselor at Concordia Seminary Counseling and Resource Center in St. Louis, says that stimulating your heart rate can help to improve your mood.

Join a support group. Finding a support group of other COPD patients can help, because you can share your experience with others who are in your same situation and you'll know that you are not alone.

Do things you enjoy. Even though your COPD symptoms may make it harder to participate in many activities, it is important to find things you can do that you enjoy.

Taking time out for yourself can help lift your mood.


Depression can be a challenge for anyone, especially someone who has a serious illness like COPD. But there is no reason you have to suffer. If you are feeling depressed, talk with your doctor immediately so you can get the help you need to feel better.