Management of respiratory conditions
Our aim in respiratory psychology is to offer psychological support to individuals suffering from long-term respiratory conditions such as asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), interstitial lung disease, and others. Living with a long-term condition not only impacts daily life due to its physical nature, but it can also have a significant impact on mental health and emotional wellbeing.
We understand that living with a long-term condition can have limiting effects on life. Hence, we aim to work with you to explore and find ways to broaden your capabilities and capacities while living with the condition. We take a psychosocial approach which means our focus isn’t only on your condition, but all of you, including the world around you, your relationships, and how you feel about yourself.
Fear of breathlessness can induce feelings of panic and anxiety
We can work with you to recognise, manage and reduce feelings of anxiety, leaving you better enabled to navigate life. We can help you differentiate between your condition-related breathlessness and panic attacks; this will reduce fears.
Fear of the condition worsening, leading to withdrawal from life, work, and social engagements
We understand how difficult and debilitating it can be when a long-term respiratory condition worsens. It's normal to avoid doing things in life because you're scared it might make your condition even worse. We can help you find the courage to re-engage with elements of life that are important to you, at a pace that is suitable to you.
If you are a registered resident of the Borough of Ealing, you can be referred to the psychology service through:
- Your respiratory nurse at Ealing Hospital
- The Pulmonary Rehabilitation team
- The Home Oxygen Service.
Upon referral, you will be contacted by the Clinical Health Psychologist to arrange an initial assessment. Your needs will be discussed at the assessment and a psychological treatment plan developed to meet your unique needs.
One-to-one sessions will be offered in-person or over video with the psychologist to work towards coping strategies and addressing underlying challenging emotions, in a non-judgemental space.