{"id":84695,"date":"2021-09-16T20:26:49","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T10:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=article&p=84695"},"modified":"2021-09-30T14:27:05","modified_gmt":"2021-09-30T04:27:05","slug":"covid-survivor-support-group","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/blog\/covid-survivor-support-group\/","title":{"rendered":"Find understanding through COVID-19 survivor support group"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019re recovering from coronavirus (COVID-19), connecting with others through a COVID-19 survivor support group in Australia a great way to find a sense of understanding and guidance. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a registered nurse, Debbie found herself on the \u201cfrontline\u201d as a health worker in COVID-19 hotspots in New South Wales early in 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sadly, like many in her line of work, Debbie contracted the virus and spent 34 weeks in home isolation. She was admitted to hospital twice with respiratory issues.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Debbie was inspired to start a COVID-19 survivor support group<\/a> affiliated with Lung Foundation Australia. The online support group aims to give others in a similar situation the chance to connect and share experiences and advice in a private, safe space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome COVID-19 survivor support groups online are quite targeted,\u201d Debbie says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA lot of people in my situation are still very closed and not ready, but I want to let people know they are not alone. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Debbie reflects on when she first contracted the virus early in 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was treated like a leper originally, even though I had done nothing wrong. There was still a bit of stigma about coronavirus sufferers,\u201d she recalls.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 18 months on, the former lap swimmer still experiences muscle and joint pain, memory loss, conjunctivitis and limited sense of smell. She has developed acute asthma plus ongoing lung and heart implications, including a diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF). The ongoing physical and mental impact of contracting COVID-19 have a significant impact on Debbie\u2019s day-to-day life. Living on a farm, Debbie has to travel frequently and far to attend regular appointments with her respiratory specialist, cardiologist, rheumatologist and psychologist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201dFatigue is now part of my every day.\u201d  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMental health part is massive. You can\u2019t fully relate unless it\u2019s something you\u2019ve gone through \u2026 just having someone who knows what you\u2019re going through, and understands when and why you\u2019re having a tough day, can be reassuring.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"COVID<\/figure>
\n

Join the COVID-19 survivor support group<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lung Foundation Australia offers a range of support groups, including the COVID-19 survivor support group. For more information and to connect with a group, follow the link below or contact our Information and Support Centre via free call 1800 654 301. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Find a group<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re recovering from coronavirus (COVID-19), connecting with others through a COVID-19 survivor support group in Australia a great way to find a sense of understanding and guidance.  As a registered nurse, Debbie found herself on the \u201cfrontline\u201d as…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":85,"featured_media":12849,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","condition":[257],"user_category":[40,31],"article_category":[191],"class_list":["post-84695","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","condition-covid-19","user_category-community-member","user_category-patient","article_category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\nFind understanding through COVID-19 survivor support group - Lung Foundation Australia<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you are recovering after contracting COVID-19, you may find it reassuring to connect with others through a COVID survivor support group.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/blog\/covid-survivor-support-group\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Find understanding through COVID-19 survivor support group - 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You will also hear from patient representative, Kylie about her experiences and what she does to navigate life in our new normal world. <br><br>For further information contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/support-services\/support\/\">Information and Support Centre<\/a> on <a href=\"tel:1800654301\">1800 654 301<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Living with a lung condition in a COVID world","post_excerpt":"Join Respiratory Care Nurse and patient representative Kylie to learn tips and tricks for living with a lung condition in a COVID world. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"living-with-a-lung-condition-in-a-covid-world","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-09-30 14:21:57","post_modified_gmt":"2021-09-30 04:21:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=resource&p=84807","menu_order":0,"post_type":"resource","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":17430,"post_author":"278","post_date":"2021-05-12 11:46:59","post_date_gmt":"2021-05-12 01:46:59","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Webinar filmed: May 2021. <\/strong><br><strong>Please note: <\/strong>the information in this resource was current at the time of release. As this is an evolving situation please check information from your treating doctor for advice on the COVID-19 vaccine. <br><br>Join Prof. Peter Wark (Senior Staff Specialist: Respiratory & Sleep) to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccinations available in Australia. In this webinar Prof. Wark will discuss the following topics: <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>How the vaccines work <\/li><li>Why we need two doses of the vaccine<\/li><li>The approval process for COVID-19 vaccinations <\/li><li>Differences between available vaccines <\/li><li>Possible side effects <\/li><li>Should individuals with lung disease and\/or lung cancer get the vaccine? <\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The information provided in this webinar is of a general nature, any concerns or questions about your health and the vaccine are best directed to your treating doctor. For further information about <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/lung-health\/protecting-your-lungs\/coronavirus-disease-covid-19\/what-you-need-to-know\/\">COVID-19<\/a> or your lung disease contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/support-services\/support\/\">Information & Support Centre<\/a> on <a href=\"tel:1800654301\">1800 654 301<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"COVID-19 vaccine information","post_excerpt":"Join Prof Peter Wark (Senior Staff Specialist: Respiratory & Sleep) to learn about the COVID-19 vaccines, their effectiveness and possible side effects.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"covid-19-vaccination-information","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-06-03 08:56:37","post_modified_gmt":"2021-06-02 22:56:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=resource&p=17430","menu_order":0,"post_type":"resource","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19078,"post_author":"85","post_date":"2021-01-14 13:28:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-14 03:28:00","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>It is not unusual to experience \u2018big feelings\u2019 or 'big emotions' when living with a lung condition. Many people experience higher than usual levels of anger, sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, frustration, stress and impatience. Noticing that you might not be as calm as you once were, is another normal reaction to living with a lung condition.  <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These big feelings might become more evident when you are tired, sick or worried about something like going to a specialist appointment or receiving test results. If you notice you are experiencing higher than usual levels of negative emotions, this is a good time to talk to someone about how you are going. Your GP might be a good place to start and you may be able to get a referral to see a mental health professional. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\"<em>You need to give the mental health professionals time and capacity to help you.  Just give it a chance.<\/em>\"<\/p><cite>Anonymous, living with a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Tips for when you feel overwhelmed  <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In general, when your brain is feeling overwhelmed, you are more likely to notice that your patience is reduced, you may be more likely to snap at people around you and feel higher levels of hopelessness and frustration.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> One strategy to assist with these times is to acknowledge that you are feeling \u201cout of sorts\u201d. Let your mind be curious about what it is you are actually feeling. What is your self-talk saying to you? Write it down, as it can help with organising your thoughts. It might be that you are feeling overwhelmed by all your appointments, or maybe work is particularly busy, or you are wondering how you are going to afford medication or the house modifications you might need.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Look at the things you have written down and make a list of those you can do something about, and another for what is \u2018out of your control\u2019. Take one thing off the list you can do something about and get started on it; this action will help you feel more in control and should help to reduce some of the stress you feel.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:media-text {\"mediaPosition\":\"right\",\"mediaId\":19079,\"mediaLink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lungfoundation.com.au\\\/?attachment_id=19079\",\"mediaType\":\"image\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1193778650-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Father and son discussing big feelings over a cup of tea. \" class=\"wp-image-19079 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another thing you can do is to tell your partner, family or trusted friends that you are feeling overwhelmed. When they know you are struggling, they will be less likely to take offence if you are snappy towards them. Talking to trusted people about how you feel helps them feel more connected to you, and you to them. It is OK to tell them you don\u2019t need them to fix anything, that you just want them to listen. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:media-text -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>What if I just feel numb? <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another way people can react to the impact of living with lung cancer or a lung disease, especially one that is life-limiting or significantly changes your lifestyle, is to feel nothing but numb. You might feel as if you are wading through molasses; people, things and even sound feel slightly muffled and removed. You might feel heavy and as if your reactions are slowed, and you just can\u2019t find the energy to smile or talk. Other people feel like they are on auto-pilot; they can feel themselves going through the motions but don\u2019t feel connected to the experience.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\"<em>At the time of diagnosis, I tried to be tough for everyone because your family falls to pieces. You just become numb and run on autopilot.<\/em>\"<\/p><cite>- Anonymous, living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This feeling of numbness or being on autopilot are aspects of dissociation. It is the brain\u2019s way of trying to protect you from feeling too much and is quite normal in certain circumstances. If you get these feelings, rest assured that you are not going crazy. However, if these feelings persist beyond a short period of time or begin to impact you in one or more domains of your life, you should seek assistance from a mental health professional.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Learning to \u2018sit with your emotions\u2019 <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we get upset, it is natural to try to push that feeling away. Generally, this strategy is not very effective. Instead, a good way to manage difficult emotions is to simply let them sit there for a while, eventually the emotion will change into another one, and a bit later change again.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Emotions are a bit like the weather; they change throughout any given day, depending on what we do and what happens around us. Learning to let emotions just sit with us and not actually trying to do anything about them can be a huge relief. When we open up to this possibility, we free ourselves to do other things. Sometimes we can help ourselves to change distressing emotions to something more positive by doing something we enjoy, something that normally gives us pleasure.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> By reminding ourselves of the things we like doing, the things we are grateful for and the things that make our heart sing, we provide ourselves with opportunities to feel positive emotions and when we feel positive emotions, we are more able to feel optimistic and hopeful. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You may wish to view our Mindfulness and Self-compassion guided practices, which can help to increase your ability to be present and flexible in our responses to life\u2019s joys and challenges.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Are you looking for more information about caring for your mental health and wellbeing?<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:buttons {\"contentJustification\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\"><!-- wp:button -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/after-your-diagnosis-title\/mental-health\/\">Visit our Mind Matters Information Hub<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Living with big feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"what-are-big-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-06-29 09:58:14","post_modified_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:58:14","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=article&p=19078","menu_order":0,"post_type":"article","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}],"full_width_components":{"full_width_page_components":[{"acf_fc_layout":"featured_posts_static","heading":"","view_more_link":null,"posts":[{"ID":84807,"post_author":"278","post_date":"2021-09-30 14:21:55","post_date_gmt":"2021-09-30 04:21:55","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Living with a lung condition in a COVID world has been challenging for some due to stigma of respiratory symptoms, social distancing and isolating from others. <br><br>In this video Lung Foundation's Respiratory Care Nurse Amanda Curran gives you some practical tips and tricks for living with a lung condition in a COVID world. You will also hear from patient representative, Kylie about her experiences and what she does to navigate life in our new normal world. <br><br>For further information contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/support-services\/support\/\">Information and Support Centre<\/a> on <a href=\"tel:1800654301\">1800 654 301<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Living with a lung condition in a COVID world","post_excerpt":"Join Respiratory Care Nurse and patient representative Kylie to learn tips and tricks for living with a lung condition in a COVID world. ","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"living-with-a-lung-condition-in-a-covid-world","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-09-30 14:21:57","post_modified_gmt":"2021-09-30 04:21:57","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=resource&p=84807","menu_order":0,"post_type":"resource","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":17430,"post_author":"278","post_date":"2021-05-12 11:46:59","post_date_gmt":"2021-05-12 01:46:59","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>Webinar filmed: May 2021. <\/strong><br><strong>Please note: <\/strong>the information in this resource was current at the time of release. As this is an evolving situation please check information from your treating doctor for advice on the COVID-19 vaccine. <br><br>Join Prof. Peter Wark (Senior Staff Specialist: Respiratory & Sleep) to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccinations available in Australia. In this webinar Prof. Wark will discuss the following topics: <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul><li>How the vaccines work <\/li><li>Why we need two doses of the vaccine<\/li><li>The approval process for COVID-19 vaccinations <\/li><li>Differences between available vaccines <\/li><li>Possible side effects <\/li><li>Should individuals with lung disease and\/or lung cancer get the vaccine? <\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The information provided in this webinar is of a general nature, any concerns or questions about your health and the vaccine are best directed to your treating doctor. For further information about <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/lung-health\/protecting-your-lungs\/coronavirus-disease-covid-19\/what-you-need-to-know\/\">COVID-19<\/a> or your lung disease contact our <a href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/support-services\/support\/\">Information & Support Centre<\/a> on <a href=\"tel:1800654301\">1800 654 301<\/a>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"COVID-19 vaccine information","post_excerpt":"Join Prof Peter Wark (Senior Staff Specialist: Respiratory & Sleep) to learn about the COVID-19 vaccines, their effectiveness and possible side effects.","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"covid-19-vaccination-information","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-06-03 08:56:37","post_modified_gmt":"2021-06-02 22:56:37","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=resource&p=17430","menu_order":0,"post_type":"resource","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"},{"ID":19078,"post_author":"85","post_date":"2021-01-14 13:28:00","post_date_gmt":"2021-01-14 03:28:00","post_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>It is not unusual to experience \u2018big feelings\u2019 or 'big emotions' when living with a lung condition. Many people experience higher than usual levels of anger, sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, irritability, frustration, stress and impatience. Noticing that you might not be as calm as you once were, is another normal reaction to living with a lung condition.  <\/strong><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These big feelings might become more evident when you are tired, sick or worried about something like going to a specialist appointment or receiving test results. If you notice you are experiencing higher than usual levels of negative emotions, this is a good time to talk to someone about how you are going. Your GP might be a good place to start and you may be able to get a referral to see a mental health professional. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\"<em>You need to give the mental health professionals time and capacity to help you.  Just give it a chance.<\/em>\"<\/p><cite>Anonymous, living with a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Tips for when you feel overwhelmed  <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In general, when your brain is feeling overwhelmed, you are more likely to notice that your patience is reduced, you may be more likely to snap at people around you and feel higher levels of hopelessness and frustration.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> One strategy to assist with these times is to acknowledge that you are feeling \u201cout of sorts\u201d. Let your mind be curious about what it is you are actually feeling. What is your self-talk saying to you? Write it down, as it can help with organising your thoughts. It might be that you are feeling overwhelmed by all your appointments, or maybe work is particularly busy, or you are wondering how you are going to afford medication or the house modifications you might need.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Look at the things you have written down and make a list of those you can do something about, and another for what is \u2018out of your control\u2019. Take one thing off the list you can do something about and get started on it; this action will help you feel more in control and should help to reduce some of the stress you feel.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:media-text {\"mediaPosition\":\"right\",\"mediaId\":19079,\"mediaLink\":\"https:\\\/\\\/lungfoundation.com.au\\\/?attachment_id=19079\",\"mediaType\":\"image\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text alignwide has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img src=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/iStock-1193778650-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Father and son discussing big feelings over a cup of tea. \" class=\"wp-image-19079 size-full\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\"><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another thing you can do is to tell your partner, family or trusted friends that you are feeling overwhelmed. When they know you are struggling, they will be less likely to take offence if you are snappy towards them. Talking to trusted people about how you feel helps them feel more connected to you, and you to them. It is OK to tell them you don\u2019t need them to fix anything, that you just want them to listen. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:media-text -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>What if I just feel numb? <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another way people can react to the impact of living with lung cancer or a lung disease, especially one that is life-limiting or significantly changes your lifestyle, is to feel nothing but numb. You might feel as if you are wading through molasses; people, things and even sound feel slightly muffled and removed. You might feel heavy and as if your reactions are slowed, and you just can\u2019t find the energy to smile or talk. Other people feel like they are on auto-pilot; they can feel themselves going through the motions but don\u2019t feel connected to the experience.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\"<em>At the time of diagnosis, I tried to be tough for everyone because your family falls to pieces. You just become numb and run on autopilot.<\/em>\"<\/p><cite>- Anonymous, living with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. <\/cite><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This feeling of numbness or being on autopilot are aspects of dissociation. It is the brain\u2019s way of trying to protect you from feeling too much and is quite normal in certain circumstances. If you get these feelings, rest assured that you are not going crazy. However, if these feelings persist beyond a short period of time or begin to impact you in one or more domains of your life, you should seek assistance from a mental health professional.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Learning to \u2018sit with your emotions\u2019 <\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When we get upset, it is natural to try to push that feeling away. Generally, this strategy is not very effective. Instead, a good way to manage difficult emotions is to simply let them sit there for a while, eventually the emotion will change into another one, and a bit later change again.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Emotions are a bit like the weather; they change throughout any given day, depending on what we do and what happens around us. Learning to let emotions just sit with us and not actually trying to do anything about them can be a huge relief. When we open up to this possibility, we free ourselves to do other things. Sometimes we can help ourselves to change distressing emotions to something more positive by doing something we enjoy, something that normally gives us pleasure.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p> By reminding ourselves of the things we like doing, the things we are grateful for and the things that make our heart sing, we provide ourselves with opportunities to feel positive emotions and when we feel positive emotions, we are more able to feel optimistic and hopeful. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>You may wish to view our Mindfulness and Self-compassion guided practices, which can help to increase your ability to be present and flexible in our responses to life\u2019s joys and challenges.  <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":4} -->\n<h4>Are you looking for more information about caring for your mental health and wellbeing?<\/h4>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:buttons {\"contentJustification\":\"center\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center\"><!-- wp:button -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link\" href=\"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/patients-carers\/after-your-diagnosis-title\/mental-health\/\">Visit our Mind Matters Information Hub<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","post_title":"Living with big feelings","post_excerpt":"","post_status":"publish","comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","post_password":"","post_name":"what-are-big-feelings","to_ping":"","pinged":"","post_modified":"2021-06-29 09:58:14","post_modified_gmt":"2021-06-28 23:58:14","post_content_filtered":"","post_parent":0,"guid":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/?post_type=article&p=19078","menu_order":0,"post_type":"article","post_mime_type":"","comment_count":"0","filter":"raw"}]}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/84695","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/85"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=84695"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12849"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=84695"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"condition","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition?post=84695"},{"taxonomy":"user_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/user_category?post=84695"},{"taxonomy":"article_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lungfoundation.com.au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article_category?post=84695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}