Inherent traits like shyness during childhoodĪlthough we still have a lot to learn, there are treatments available, even with a chronic condition such as COPD.īack to top > Are there ways to calm anxiety related to COPD?.

There are other factors that contribute to anxiety, including: As your heart rate quickens, you may start to think you can't catch your breath, so your feelings of anxiety increase, which makes your chest tight and your breathing to get worse.īecause some anxiety symptoms are similar to that of COPD, it can be difficult to tell if your symptoms are caused by your condition or by anxiety. You begin to feel anxious as COPD symptoms arise. It may be that symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness start a cycle of anxiety. There have been many studies that suggest a link between COPD and anxiety, but just how it happens is still not known. Often shortness of breath can lead to scary feelings and increased anxiety, and panic attacks can develop. Because some panic disorder symptoms are similar to symptoms of COPD, it can be difficult to distinguish between a panic attack and a COPD flare-up. Panic attacks can come on unexpectedly or can occur as the result of a trigger, such as difficulty breathing that goes along with COPD. Feeling out of control, like you're spinning.Panic disorder is associated with heightened episodes of anxiety called panic attacks. Even without COPD, generalized anxiety disorder can cause problems in your everyday life, as ongoing feelings of fear affect your ability to function normally. Having a chronic condition like COPD can lead to excessive worry and fear, especially if your condition is advanced. You may have generalized anxiety disorder if you have the following symptoms for 6 months or longer: There are a number of different types of anxiety disorders, but two of the most common are generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Some people have always been anxious and may have anxiety disorders without much external stress. Situational anxiety can snowball and begin to develop into a bigger problem, or an anxiety disorder. While anxiety usually subsides with time, it can become crippling but can be addressed with help.īack to top > How do you know if you have a problem with anxiety?Īnyone can experience anxiety. There are things you can do to learn to manage your anxiety. At this point, your anxiety can become a problem, limiting your functioning and getting in the way of things you want to do. However, once you find out you have COPD, your shortness of breath is not an emergency, it's your baseline. Not being able to breathe is usually an emergency and signals that something is wrong, so feeling anxious makes sense at this time.

People with COPD often develop anxiety when their disease first develops, and they begin to experience increased shortness of breath. Other times anxiety happens as the result of an external event that you feel you have no control over, such as having a chronic condition or experiencing a traumatic event. Sometimes anxiety is caused by worrisome or fearful thoughts in your head. It's a signal that something stressful is happening. Are there ways to calm anxiety related to COPD?Īnxiety is a natural part of the body's alert system.How do you know if you have a problem with anxiety?.While the anxiety you may be feeling is completely understandable, there are things you can do to manage your feelings. Here, I share insights on the connection between COPD and anxiety and what you can do to ease your worries. During difficult times, it's important to remember you're not alone. I'm a clinical psychologist at Temple University Hospital.

When you have a chronic condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), not being able to breathe can make you feel anxious.

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