Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can take your breath away, and that can make anyone feel anxious and afraid. It's also a serious disease that can feel overwhelming to manage.

This may help explain why anxiety is more common in people with COPD than in those without it, according to the American Lung Association.

Managing anxiety is an important thing people with COPD can do to feel their best.

Anxiety and breathlessness

When you're short of breath and it feels like you're not getting enough air, it can trigger your body's fight-or-flight stress response. This can cause feelings of anxiety, which can, in turn, make it even harder to breathe. This can lead to more anxiety and so on. It can be a vicious cycle that makes COPD harder to control.

In addition, COPD is more than just a physical disease. It can take a toll on emotions. Anxiety, as well as depression, often goes hand in hand with chronic diseases like COPD.

All of this is why it's important to recognize COPD-related anxiety and to take steps to manage it. You can do that with the help of your healthcare team.

Easing anxiety when you're short of breath

When you're anxious and short of breath, controlled breathing exercises may help calm your nervous system so you can breathe better. These exercises can be as simple as taking a few slow, deep breaths.

Some examples are belly breathing and pursed lip breathing. Another tip that experts say some people find helpful when they're anxious and short of breath: Try aiming a handheld fan at your face.

Check in with your doctor

It's normal to worry when you have COPD. But if you're often anxious or your worries feel overwhelming, reach out to your doctor or a mental health provider. If it would help you, your doctor may recommend anxiety treatments, such as counseling, medications or both.

In addition, the following strategies may also help make COPD and anxiety more manageable, as well as help support your overall mental health:

Keep moving. Exercise can reduce stress and lift your mood, and it's good for your lungs. Ask your doctor about safe ways to be active.

Open up and ask for help. Talk about how you feel with friends and family. Let them know how they can help you.

Make time for things you enjoy. Maybe that's watching a favorite movie, listening to music or working on a hobby.

Join a COPD support group in person or online. Ask your doctor to help you find one.

Get a good night's rest. Tell your doctor if you're having trouble sleeping or sleeping too much, which can be signs of depression.

Stay connected. Meet up with friends or check out a local event.