Having pulmonary hypertension can impact your mental and emotional wellbeing as well as your physical health.
In 2019, we conducted a major survey which showed 53% of people diagnosed with PH have experienced or been diagnosed with anxiety or depression; yet only around half (58%) had asked for professional help.
It’s important to understand that if you are struggling with your mental or emotional welbeing you are not on your own, and our resources and support tools – developed specifically for those affected by PH – are designed to help. Anxiety and depression can be experienced by those around the person with the diagnosis too, so we would encourage family and loved ones to also make use of the support available.
Our free self-help programmes – Overcoming Worry & Anxiety and Overcoming Depression & Low Mood – are the world’s first self-help interventions developed with psychologists specifically for people with PH. Both are based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and can be worked through in your own time at home. They are free for all members of the PHA UK and their loved ones.
Find out more about our self-help programmes
Our free Listening Line supportive call service gives you dedicated time with a PHA UK team member to talk through any worries or concerns you have relating to your emotional or mental wellbeing.
Find out more about the Listening Line
PH can affect relationships with partners, family, and friends, in different ways. You can find real experiences and expert advice in this dedicated area of our lifestyle website.
Intimacy is an important part of many relationships. Our booklet, Intimacy & PH, explains how PH and its treatments can affect you as a sexual and intimate person, and discusses ways of dealing with this. Find it here.
When someone is diagnosed with a condition like pulmonary hypertension, it can affect family and friends as well as the patient themselves. Feelings of concern, sadness and anger are all very normal emotions, and can continue throughout a loved one’s journey with PH.
Membership of the PHA UK is open to anyone affected by PH, including friends and family of those diagnosed.
Finding out more about pulmonary hypertension can help you understand and support someone living with the condition. As well as the information on this website, we produce publications and resources on specific topics. Find the full range and order for free.
Friends and family who are struggling can also access our Listening Line to talk things through with experienced PHA UK team members.
Our private Facebook group for caregivers is a safe, supportive space to connect with others and share experiences and advice, without judgement. Request to join here.
Visit this dedicated area of our lifestyle website to hear from experts in mental health and read the experiences of others.
There are also many organisations and charities dedicated to supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties. You are not on your own.
NHS self-help
Guided self-help, apps and online tools. Visit this section of the NHS website.
Anxiety UK
An independent charity supporting people living with anxiety, stress and anxiety-based depression. www.anxietyuk.org.uk
Samaritans
Emotional support for anyone in distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide. Their free helpline is available 24 hours a day on 116 123. www.samaritans.org
Mind
Advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. www.mind.org.uk
If you need urgent help for your mental health, click here.
