Many things in your day-to-day life can get turned around after you’re diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). One thing that won’t change, however, is the power of friendship. Now more than ever, you’ll want strong relationships to help you stay positive and follow your treatment plan. This will help you live a full and active life. 

“Caregivers are a crucial part of the medical team,” notes COPD specialist MeiLan K. Han, M.D. Dr. Han is a University of Michigan Health pulmonologist and spokesperson for the American Lung Association. A caregiver can be a family member, friend, or anyone in your life who supports you along your health journey. Caregivers play many roles: cheerleader, chauffeur, and everything in between.

Here’s why a good support system is so important for getting and staying well. Plus, find tips for building your COPD support dream team. 

How social support can help you cope with COPD   

As with many long-term conditions, having COPD raises your risk of stress and anxiety. That’s partly because the symptoms of COPD — like shortness of breath and difficulty breathing — would make anyone feel on edge. And when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it’s common to take short, shallow breaths. That makes COPD worse and ratchets up stress even more. 

Feelings of social isolation also play a role in making COPD symptoms worse. COPD often comes with fatigue and physical restrictions. As a result, many people with COPD feel too tired or worn out to leave home or attend events. So they cut back on gatherings and miss out on the support that could help them feel better. 

Research suggests that this kind of interaction is an important tool for coping with COPD. In studies of people with COPD, those who have positive social networks can manage their disease better. They have fewer flare-ups and hospitalizations. On the other hand, patients with COPD who feel lonely tend to have worse health ratings. They have more breathlessness and visits to the emergency department. 

“Everyone needs to know that someone is in their corner,” says Dr. Han. So it’s helpful to find new ways to spend time with the people you love most. Try these tips for staying healthy and engaged with others. 

(Need help controlling your COPD? You have access to a COPD care management program through Wellframe, your digital health management tool. This smartphone app is free with your health plan, and it can connect you directly with your care team. Log in or download the app today to learn more.)

3 smart ways to build your social network

1. Go virtual  

You don’t have to decide between connecting with people and resting. Digital tools make it easy to do both. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Play an online game with friends. You don’t need a gaming console: You can find classics like checkers, Uno, and crazy 8s that require only a smartphone or computer. 
• Comment on social media posts and put up your own. 
• Text, call, or video chat friends instead of visiting in person.  
• Log in to Wellframe, your digital health management app. This smartphone app is free with your health plan. It can connect you directly with your COPD care team for information, medical advice, and emotional support. 
• Join one of the American Lung Association’s online COPD support groups. These national groups can help you connect with other people who have lung disease. You can share experiences and advice.   

2. Recruit your health team

COPD is a complicated condition. It often requires taking medication, tracking symptoms, and sticking to a treatment plan outlined by your doctor. That can be a lot to manage. But remember: You don’t have to do it alone. Many times, friends and family want to help but don’t know how. Here are some ways for them to be a part of your health team. They can:

• Come along on appointments and be your note taker. 
• Pick up prescriptions. 
• Drive you to doctor’s appointments.  
• Help with researching your condition and medications. 
• Join you in breathing exercises and regular walks. 
• Come over to watch a movie or play a game. 

Relying on one friend or family member can feel like asking too much. By creating a team, you can have plenty of helpers in your corner without feeling like you’re overloading anyone. 

(Need help scheduling your appointments or understanding your medications? Wellframe, your digital health management app, can connect you with your care team to help with this and more. Log in or download the Wellframe app today.)

3. Invite the right people

Let’s be real: Not every friend in your social circle should be invited into your support network. You’ll want to include people who lift you up emotionally and can give you the kind of help you need right now. If someone makes you feel anxious or stressed, limit your time with that person. This might be someone who is negative, complains often, or questions your decisions. 

In general, your social time should be seen as a must-have for your health. Put it right up there at the top of the list with healthy food, regular exercise, and quality sleep. Make time every day to connect in some way and it could be a boon for your well-being. 

SOURCES:  

1. “COPD.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679. Accessed July 20, 2021.  

2. “Coping with COPD and Anxiety.” American Lung Association, www.lung.org/blog/coping-with-copd-and-anxiety. Accessed July 20, 2021.  

3. Leander M, Lampa E, Rask-Andersen A, et al. “Impact of anxiety and depression on respiratory symptoms.” Respiratory Medicine, vol. 108, no. 11, 2014, pp: 1594-1600. 

4. Lenferink A, Van Der Palen J, Effing T. “The role of social support in improving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease self-management.” Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine, vol. 12, no. 8, 2018, pp: 623-626. 

5. Chen Z, Fan VS, Belza B, et al. “Association between Social Support and Self-Care Behaviors in Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.” Annals of American Thoracic Society, vol. 14, no. 9, September, pp: 1419-1427. 

6. Marty PK, Novotny P, Benzo RP. "Loneliness and ED Visits in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.” Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Innovations, Quality & Outcomes, vol. 3, no. 3, 2019, pp: 350-357.  

7. “Finding COPD Support.” American Lung Association, www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copd/living-with-copd/finding-support. Accessed July 20, 2021.  

8. “COPD Diagnosis and Treatment.” Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353685?p=1. Accessed July 29, 2021.