Mental Health

Mental Health Conditions

• Depression 

  The physical impacts of living with a lung disease, such as breathlessness and fatigue, may cause feelings of stress and anxiousness. You may experience temporary feelings such as sadness or irritability, but if these are persistent and last longer than a couple of weeks, it may be an indication of depression. People living with a chronic or progressive illness are at an increased risk of experiencing depression.  

  Depression is a complex condition and people experience depression in varying ways. Signs and symptoms of depression include negative changes to your thoughts, feelings, behaviour and physical wellbeing.  

  Beyond Blue outlines the common signs and symptoms of depression as:   

  • Feelings – irritability, frustration, sadness, unhappiness, lack of confidence 
  • Behaviour – not participating in activities you normally enjoy, withdrawing from close family and friends, increased reliance on substances such as alcohol or other drugs, lack of concentration 
  • Thoughts – persistent negative thoughts such as “it’s my fault” or “nothing good ever happens to me”. 

  Physical wellbeing – increased fatigue, sleeping problems, change or loss of appetite, weight gain or loss – not associated with treatment. If you have been experiencing any of the signs or symptoms of depression, and these persist for more than two weeks, it is important to contact your treating healthcare team of your GP to discuss your options.  

• Anxiety

  Everyone experiences feelings of anxiousness from time to time and it usually relates to a specific situation – such as a job interview. Anxiety, the condition, refers to frequent or persistent anxiousness that is not connected to a particular event or situation Anxiety impacts quality of life and day-to-day function of the person living with the condition. 

  Similarly, to depression, everyone experiences anxiety differently and there are several types of anxiety, such as panic disorder and social anxiety. Beyond Blue outlines the common symptoms of anxiety as:  

  • Physical – panic attacks, hot and cold flushes, racing heart, tightening of the chest, quick breathing, restlessness, or feeling tense, wound up and edgy 
  • Psychological – excessive fear, worry, catastrophizing, or obsessive thinking 
  • Behavioural – avoidance of situations that make you feel anxious which can impact on, work, family or social life. 

  If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms of anxiety, it is important to discuss these with your treating healthcare team.