Taking Care of Mental Health and well-being while having Severe Asthma

Severe asthma impacts nearly every aspect of a person's life for many people, including their well-being and mental health.

What usually people go through

• Fearing an asthma attack all the time
• Concerned about how their symptoms will affect their family, partners, friends, and career.
• Concerned about not getting the treatment they need when their asthma worsens or they experience an asthma attack. 
• Affected by side effects from their medications, including mood swings, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. 
• Unable to engage in activities or socialize as a result of their symptoms.

In fact, having mental health issues like anxiety and sadness is fairly frequent among persons with chronic diseases, including severe asthma. Additionally, especially after a stressful hospital admission, people may suffer from panic attacks, social anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

Support from your Doctors

If having severe asthma is having an adverse effect on your mental health, your medical team can provide guidance and assistance.

Inquire with your doctor about counseling, CBT, or other depression treatments.

Discuss your asthma medication regimen and any potential adverse effects that may be impacting your mood, confidence, or self-esteem. Share the list of your symptoms. Doctors can use it to identify any patterns. Together, you can address the factors that are aggravating your asthma, including side effects and the stress and anxiety that come with having a chronic illness.

A multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including experts who can assist you with your emotional well-being and common mental health issues like depression and anxiety, should be available to you if you are receiving treatment at a specialized center or clinic.

5 tips for looking after your mental health

Trying Complementary Therapies

Buteyko breathing techniques can help with asthma symptoms as well as anxiety and panic attacks. There is evidence to suggest that long-term diseases, such as asthma, can benefit from mindfulness. Additionally, yoga and massage are effective for lowering tension and anxiety.

Learn more about how to safely combine your asthma medications with complementary therapy for stress.

Staying Fit and active to your Level Best

One of the best methods to improve your mood is to stay active. It has been demonstrated that exercise can aid depression and poor mood.

Keep an eye on what you Eat and Drink

Foods that are heavily processed or heavy in sugar might increase feelings of anxiousness. Avoid alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, some fizzy drinks, and other beverages with high caffeine content.

Get in touch with others who have asthma

Speaking with those who share your experiences and have severe asthma might help you express your feelings and feel more understood.

Speak about needing Help

If you are having trouble coping, try to speak with trusted family members and friends, or get support from your doctor. Asking for assistance is crucial since anxiety, stress, or depression can have an impact on all facets of your life, including your asthma.

Mental health can affect your asthma but you need to hold your grip

Stress, anxiety, and depression are likely to interfere with a person's regular asthma self-management routines, which increases the likelihood of an exacerbation. However, only a small number of trials have looked at the benefits of holistically oriented therapy for people with severe asthma. The emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical components of each individual making up a system are highlighted in a holistic approach to treatment. Want to know more about the holistic approach? Click here to avail a free mini course to get insights about the same.