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When to Consider Professional Help While Dealing With PF
It would likely come as no surprise to others that patients diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF), have many intense emotions and valid fears associated with their disease. These emotions can manifest themselves in many different ways.
There are several physical signs that may indicate you’re dealing with something more than just worrying or feeling sad. Below are four symptoms that might indicate depression, and if you are experiencing these regularly, it might be beneficial to seek professional help.
1. Loss of appetite: A sudden loss of appetite usually accompanies stress and anxiety, but if the feeling persists, it’s important to address it. Being chronically under-oxygenated due to a lung disease does enough damage to your body, but avoiding food doesn’t give your body the fuel it needs to keep going. This should be especially concerning if you’re someone who usually eats well.
2. Turning inwards and avoiding previously enjoyed social activities: This can be common, as everyone needs their alone time. However, if suddenly you’re regularly canceling plans to spend time alone or you find yourself anxious in social situations, it’s important to seek professional help. It’s nearly impossible to face a chronic illness alone, and everyone needs support from his or her friends and family. Suddenly losing interest in activities can be an indicator of depression.
3. Trouble sleeping: This is a hard one because so many patients with PF lose out on sleep due to excessive thinking, worrying or even due to physical symptoms like a dry cough. However, if attempts to improve sleep are ineffective, it may be time to seek professional help.
4. Excessive crying: Some patients dealing with a lung disease are on steroids for the treatment of their symptoms, which can lead to excessive emotions and lots of tears. Based on other columns and social clips, this has been a shared experience among many patients. However, excessive crying without reason may be a cause for concern.
For those living with a life-threatening illness, seeking help is important for survival. Considering professional help is an important way to help with that emotional pain, especially if you are experiencing symptoms for prolonged periods of time. If you aren’t already connected with a social worker or some type of counselor, your doctor can make a referral and point you in the right direction.
Is there any other red flag you would like to add to this list? Share it below!
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