What treatment can I get for anxiety?
Before you go to see your health care professional, it may help to think about these questions, and take your answers with you.
Over the last 2 weeks, how often have you been bothered by the following problems? (Make a note of your answers)
| Not at all | Several days | More than half the days | Nearly every day | |
| Feeling nervous, anxious or on edge | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Not being able to stop or control worrying | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Little interest or pleasure in doing things | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Besides pulmonary rehabilitation, your health care professional may offer:
- talking treatments or counselling or therapy. The most common one is cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), because research suggests it can help people, including those living with a long-term lung condition.
- self-help resources. These have been developed by health care professionals for you to use by yourself. Have a look at NHS Choices Moodzone.
- medication. Your GP may prescribe antidepressants or other medication. But health care guidelines are that your health care professional should offer you other treatments first.
Julie's story
As my health had deteriorated over the years, depression and anxiety have sat alongside each new diagnosis or change to health. I’ve been lucky and have had very supportive GPs and consultants who have referred me to NHS counselling. Over the years, I’ve had one-to-one and group sessions. The past two years have been hard as I’ve deteriorated a lot: my life has changed considerably and I can’t work as I could. For the first time I’ve taken anti-depressants in addition to talking therapy. The combination of medication and therapy seem to be helping, especially in relation to anxiety.
Last medically reviewed: March 2018. Due for review: March 2021
This information uses the best available medical evidence and was produced with the support of people living with lung conditions. Find out how we produce our information. If you’d like to see our references get in touch.
