Photo Credit: tab1962 / istockphoto.com
5. Lethargy
Fatigue is an unfortunate reality when you live with COPD. Your body takes in less oxygen and expels less carbon dioxide with every breath, and that means your cells won’t get all the energy they need to function well. It can be difficult to separate the usual COPD fatigue from fatigue associated with depression, but mood changes are helpful clues.
When fatigue comes with a consistently low mood, lack of motivation, and confusion or cloudy thinking, you may be depressed. However, these changes can also precede a COPD exacerbation, so it’s important to consult your doctor right away to get to the bottom of the problem — and stay in control.
Resources
Elements Behavioural Health (Irritable Depression: When Sadness Feels Like Anger)Everyday Health (COPD and Depression)Everyday Health (10 Depression Symptoms to Watch For)Drugs.com (Top 9 Symptoms of Depression to Watch For)
COPD affects people's oxygen levels. Without optimal oxygen levels, humans cannot function properly. Here's what to know about oxygen therapy for COPD.
