Become a Patient

Accepting Help

With COPD, you may feel less able to do many of the tasks that you have always done for yourself. This can lead to a feeling that you’re not "pulling your weight."

Why do I need to find and accept help?

People vary in the amount of support they need from time to time, and they vary in their ability to accept help. It’s important to recognize that, even if it is only from your doctor, you do need help. Finding and accepting that help is an important part of caring for yourself. Take some time to think about the following questions and write your answers on your own piece of paper, or on a printed copy of this page:

1. Is there someone who’s been trying to help that you’ve turned down?

 

 

 

2. Have you thanked those who have helped or are helping you?  Can you think of a new way to say thanks?

 

 

 

3. What makes it hard for you to ask for or accept help from others?

 

 

 

4. Can you think of some other sources of support your haven’t utilized?  How about support groups? Extended family?   Religious community?

 

 

 

Even though you may be the one with COPD, everyone who loves you and is involved in your life is also affected by your disease. They want to help you. They want to help make your life easier because they care about you. By allowing the people around you to help, you feel better because you have more choices, and they feel better because you're doing better. It is very important to talk to your family and learn together the best ways to cope with your COPD.

View the next page: "COPD and Your Family" .

This information has been approved by Rachel Norwood, MD (September 2006).

Note: This information is provided to you as an educational service of National Jewish Health. It is not meant to be a substitute for consulting with your own physician.

© Copyright 2008 National Jewish Health