Can Asthma Affect Your Mental Health?

You know that asthma affects your body, but did you ever stop to think about how it affects your mental well-being? In a recent survey, people who reported mental health problems often also had asthma. Can one condition actually cause the other? Researchers are just beginning to sort out these mind-body connections.

The Link Between Asthma and Mental Health

About two to five of every 10 people with asthma also suffer from depression. That's understandable, as asthma is a challenge to manage. Having asthma can make you feel anxious about physical activity, and it can mean missing school or work or waking up in the night because of symptoms. But experiencing depression or anxiety may actually raise the risk for asthma. In a study of more than 18,000 adults, those who experienced severe stress, depression, or anxiety in childhood were more likely to have asthma. Researchers think these experiences may harm a child's nervous and immune systems, leading to asthma later in life.

What You Can Do

Any mental health problem needs attention because being depressed or anxious affects every aspect of life. Plus, depression and anxiety can make it harder for you to take care of yourself and stick with your asthma management plan.

If you think you might be depressed, are feeling anxious, or have other mental health concerns, talk with your doctor. If you're not sure how to raise the issue, just say, "I haven't been feeling myself lately, and I'd like to talk with you about it." There are effective treatments for depression and other mood disorders that your doctor may suggest. These steps can help as well:

• Attend a support group for people with asthma. The friendship, support, and learning that take place can be very beneficial. To find one in your community, call your local American Lung Association or ask your doctor.
• Children with asthma can benefit from attending a kids' asthma program or asthma camp. These activities can boost self-confidence.
• When asthma is well-controlled, you'll feel more in control and less anxious. So see your doctor if you're having asthma symptoms. Your doctor may suggest a change in medication. This can make a big difference in managing your asthma.