Anxiety

Anxiety is generally an internal process, reacting to stress. It can be an uneasy feeling, or a sense of dread which can linger. It can be a difficult feeling to manage. It can come and go, you may not feel anxious all the time, but you may have short episodes of feeling particularly anxious.

Talking — talking to friends and family about how you feel may help as your loved ones will be able to support you better. Talking to healthcare professionals involved in your care may benefit you as they can be sensitive and encouraging to seek further support if it is felt it is needed.

If your anxiety is constant and affecting you daily, you may benefit from professional help. A common form of psychotherapy is called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Speak to a healthcare professional to support you in a referral in to a service local to you.

Relaxation — the use of relaxation (deep breathing, mindfulness and guided imagery) can have good effect on managing anxiety before and during anxiety provoking situations.

Relaxation can help with both anxiety and the symptom of breathlessness. There are many pre-recorded relaxation examples available on the internet or here is a hospital video about progressive muscle relaxation.