|
Dealing with depression
COPD can make you feel tired all the time and still make it difficult to sleep. It can be exhausting to eat, and the medications can take all the taste out of your food. You may be self-conscious about your oxygen or chronic cough and become more reluctant to go out in public. You may have been active for all of your life and now can't do the things you once enjoyed. All these challenges can put you at risk for developing depression.
If you are like many people, you may say, "Well, look at all I've lost. Shouldn't I be depressed?" The answer is both yes and no. You certainly may have lost a great deal, and it is understandable that you may be feeling anger, sadness, and a sense of loss. But if the feelings are pervasive and keeping you from taking care of yourself, you need to speak with your doctor about depression. This condition is very common and is treatable with therapy and/or medication.
This section has more on the signs of depression.
|