For crisis support call Lifeline on 13 11 14, MH Call 1300 642 255 or in an emergency call 000
12 June, 2018
The Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2007 National Survey of Mental Health indicates there is a link between anxiety, depression and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). One in five women and one in eight men will experience depression at some time in their life. On average, one in four people will experience anxiety. For people who live with COPD these figures can be higher due to factors such as the impact of living with the disease or side-effects of their medicines.
If you or a loved one are living with COPD, the Lung foundation has a fact sheet detailing some helpful strategies and tips. Click here: COPD, anxiety and depression.
Smoking is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases, including COPD, and people with mental illness are more likely to smoke cigarettes than those in the general population. In fact around 32% of people with mental illness smoke cigarettes as compared to 18% in the general community. Dealing with boredom or stress are commons reasons people find it hard to quit smoking, and so continue to smoke.
Sane Australia has many resources to help people with mental illness quit smoking. Click here: Sane Australia Facts and Guides
If you are interested in the prevalence and interventions relating to a specific mental illness, The Cancer Council of Australia has released a comprehensive fact sheet. Click here: Smoking and mental health
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia, their diversity, histories and knowledge and their continuing connections to land, waterways and culture. We pay our respect to all Australian Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, and to Elders of past, present and future generations.
Brisbane North PHN wishes to acknowledge the experience and expertise of the My Mental Health Steering Committee, delegates of the Peer Participation in Mental Health Services (PPIMS) network and health professionals in developing the My Mental Health Website.
