Minding yourself
Waiting for a transplant while living with advanced lung disease can bring up a lot of emotions. You and your family may feel fearful, worried, hopeless or stressed as you live with the uncertainty of your situation. This is a normal reaction. Here are some things that may help:
- Try your best to live your normal life. Meet with your friends and family and continue to do the activities you enjoy.
- Be sure to take your medications correctly, at the right time of day, to limit the risk of side effects.
- Try talking with friends, a therapist or a counsellor to help process your emotions.
- Stick to a healthy daily routine that includes doing activities that you enjoy.
- You may need to reevaluate how you spend your time and energy. For example, you may want to reduce work commitments or household chores, and spend more time with friends and family.
Early warning signs
Be aware of the early warning signs of mental health problems such as:
- lack of sleep or appetite
- no longer enjoying the things you used to
- a desire to isolate from friends or family
- a feeling of constant worry
- finding it hard to stay motivated or engage in daily activities
If you experience any of these symptoms, ask your transplant coordinator to refer you to the psychologist in the hospital. You can also discuss with your GP. If you are already attending a psychiatry service, contact them and ask for a review.