The importance of mental health in COPD.
Due to physical difficulties that chronic disease patients like COPD confront daily, occasionally they might experience some emotional and mental health symptoms (Experiencing sadness fear and worries, feeling depressed and anxious about your environment). This is normal and common when coping with these chronic pathologies. They should not be inevitable and never be ignored.
The mental health difficulties can be physically represented such as:
- Not being able to sleep at night.
- Increased or more frequent feeling of breathlessness.
- Higher blood pressure and/or heart rate.
- More fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
What could I do to reduce these symptoms?
One way to reduce stress and physical symptoms linked to it, is via relaxation techniques.
How does muscle relaxation techniques work?
Relaxation techniques are a great way to help with many COPD symptoms. Relaxation techniques assist you to increase consciousness of your body, letting go of negative thoughts and pay more attention on something calm. Relaxation isn’t only about reducing stress, it is a technique that could be use to improve your life and peace of mind.
Learning basic relaxation techniques is easy. They are often simple, low cost or free and you can do it anywhere. The specialist are usually accessible nearly everywhere.
Practically, how it benefits me?
The positive effect of practicing the relaxation techniques are represented by:
- More energetic with daily life activities.
- Feeling happier and more calm.
- Better quality of sleep.
- Better breathing pattern.
- Reduce muscle tension and chronic pain.
How to start concretely?
There is many physical therapist who are specialists in relaxation techniques. You can either find them online or contact the moveUP care team.
You will receive a module about the introduction of relaxation techniques.
In Belgium, some relaxation techniques are reimburse with some mutuality’s (Mindfulness therapy (Meditation) and sophrology techniques..) so you can contact them and they can assist you to reach the best specialist near you.
What’s important to know?
Relaxation techniques take practice and time.
Each time you practice a relaxation technique you will/should become better aware of your body. An increased awareness of how it responds to stress can help act on it and to reduce the negative effects.
Practice is key. It takes time, so don’t rush it and be patient with the results and avoid your relaxing methods to become another stressor.
Find the right technique that benefits you.
Relaxation techniques are great but, although it is rare, some can feel emotional discomfort during the relaxation sessions. So, don’t afraid to change the technique if it doesn’t suit you.
Importantly, we recommend you to always keep in touch with your physical therapist regarding your evolution with the treatment.