Living with a lung condition can be difficult, both physically and emotionally.
It’s common to feel anxious, low, or afraid when dealing with symptoms like breathlessness. You may also experience panic, stress, or even feel overwhelmed by changes in your daily life.
Many people find it hard to cope with losing the ability to do things they once managed easily. These feelings are completely understandable and you are not alone.
Our Respiratory Psychology Service offers understanding, compassionate support. We provide evidence-based help for people who are struggling with the emotional impact of a lung condition, helping you find ways to cope and feel more in control.
Organisations that can help
Asthma + Lung UK
Provides support from respiratory nurses, including advice and information.
- Helpline (call or WhatsApp): 0300 222 5800
- Email: Helpline@asthmaandlung.org.uk
- Web: Asthma + Lung UK
Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke
Provides support for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, as well as their families and carers.
Services include support groups, walking groups, and counselling.
- Telephone: 028 9032 0184
- Web: NICHS
Supporting Breathlessness
Supporting Someone with Breathlessness’ is a source full of help and advice made for family and friends of people with breathlessness. To make sure it is as helpful to you as possible, it has been carefully made with a range of experts including health professionals, health researchers and people just like you, who have cared for someone with breathlessness.
- Example resources: Stress and breathlessness – an unhelpful cycle
Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Provides advice and support for people living with pulmonary fibrosis and their carers.
Includes webinars, articles, a helpline, and support groups.
- Support line: 01223 785725
- Web: Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Watch How to live well with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
European Lung Foundation – Bronchiectasis Information
A patient-led organisation working to improve lung health and care through partnership with healthcare professionals.
Pulmonary Fibrosis NI (Local support group)
Pulmonary Fibrosis NI offers peer support across Northern Ireland.
- Telephone: 07479 718811 (Support Group Lead)
- Email: hello@pulmonaryfibrosisni.co.uk
- Web: Pulmonary Fibrosis NI
They run a weekly online support group through Zoom every Thursday at 11:00am.
Northern Trust Respiratory Services
Read about Respiratory Services in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.