Mental Health & Asthma

I believe that most physical ailments, especially asthma, can affect your mental health. Any amount of anxiety can be sparked by wondering whether each day will be the day I am unable to breathe.

I’ve gone to events (dancing) without my inhaler, which was stupid and had to go to the restroom to concentrate on breathing since I was too ashamed to ask for assistance (not smart).

My years of asthma have been accompanied by two feelings: anxiety and depression. They are connected, I am aware, in the field of mental health.

Anytime, whether while I’m dancing or if I accidentally leave my inhaler behind, anxiety can strike.

The roots of depression run deeper. It comes out when a friend talks about going on a hike with “amazing views” or when I start to doubt my ability to give birth naturally or carry a child at all.

I believe society undervalues the likelihood of a mental health consequence for every physical condition, ranging from anger or anxiety to depression. I’ve read far too many accounts of people who wished to end their lives due to excruciating medical conditions.

General Asthma

Let’s face it: Asthma is a condition that poses a risk to life. Even though my asthma is now under control, I still have recollections of the times when it wasn’t, and am aware that it may still be a serious condition. Discuss PTSD. I believe it can affect your thinking if you’ve had even one asthma episode. It’s impossible to describe what it’s like to be unable to breathe.

I’ve previously written about what it feels like to be submerged for an extended period and begin to fear drowning. When you have an asthma attack, panic sets in, and depending on where you are, you might even momentarily wonder if this is it. This could be how things proceed. It’s dreadful, and I wouldn’t want it to happen to my dearest enemy. My worst enemy wouldn’t get it from me.

Although they are related, I know that for years I concentrated on treating either the physical or mental health symptoms.

In my ideal world, every medical or physical appointment would be followed by a mental health appointment that was covered by insurance on the same day, in the same location, and at the same time. In my idealized world, all medical professionals inquire about your emotional and physical well-being.

I strongly advise considering therapy, whether it be group, individual, or family therapy if you suffer from an illness as debilitating as asthma.

I think that certain physical conditions can be made worse by mental health issues, just as I think that certain physical conditions can be made worse by mental health issues. For me, there is a direct correlation between stress and an increase in asthma symptoms. If I am aware that some things may irritate me, I must be extremely selective about who and what I let into my circle.

It’s not worthwhile now. That is to say, I can allow a stressful situation to affect my breathing. There isn’t a thing or anyone on earth that I can think of that is worth that.

Where my physical and emotional health overlap is still a problem for me. I take a big breath in the interim. I respect the interdependence of my mind and lungs and treat them both with kindness.