There are a number of books, booklets, videos and apps which can help you better understand how you are feeling and provide you with strategies for managing your difficulties. These can be useful to look at and work through before, during or after therapy sessions.
A list of recommended self-help books for lung conditions can be found on the Reading Well website for long-term conditions. These are available to borrow from your local library.
Zephyr Guide app (iOS & android): animated guide to support people to correctly use inhalers. For a review of the app visit: https://www.blf.org.uk/
PatientMpower apps: apps to support people living with cystic fibrosis (patientMpower for CF – iOS only) and support people living with COPD, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, lung transplant, kidney transplant, vasculitis, hypertension and prostate cancer (patientMpower – iOS & android). For a review one of the apps visit: https://www.blf.org.uk/
Smart Asthma: Forecast asthma app (iOS & android): to support people living with asthma to track triggers, symptoms, control asthma and prevent attacks. For a review of the app visit: https://www.blf.org.uk/
ASTHMAXcel app: includes interactive modules/chapters and animated videos about asthma and asthma management. For a review of the app visit: https://www.blf.org.uk/
iPrescribe Exercise (iOS & Android): app developed by physiotherapists that creates a 12-week exercise plan based on health information entered by the user. It helps to improve overall health, along with managing a number of long-term health conditions through physical activity. For more information visit: https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/iprescribe-exercise/
Other mental health apps:
These resources support general mental health and may not be specific to health problems.
NHS Apps Library provides a general list of digital tools to help you manage and improve your mental and physical health.
UCL Positive app for students – an app to support your wellbeing.
iCope Mental Health Apps Review 2017 – this is a list of free, recommended mental health apps. Recommendations come from iCope clinicians, online app reviews, published studies and feedback from iCope service users.
British Lung Foundation is a national charity that supports people living with heart conditions in the UK.
Phone: 03000 030 555
Email via online webform
Web: https://www.blf.org.uk/
They also have a number of resources available via their website:
Asthma UK: a national charity for people with asthma
Phone: 0300 222 5800
Web: https://www.asthma.org.uk/
Resources that are available via the website:
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care online leaflets on breathlessness for respiratory conditions
Pulmonary Hypertension Association: a national charity for people living with pulmonary hypertension
Pulmonary Fibrosis Trust: a UK-based charity that supports people living with pulmonary fibrosis
Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis Charity: a patient-driven UK-based charity for people living with pulmonary fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Trust: a UK-based charity that supports people living with cystic fibrosis
Sarcoidosis UK (previously SILA): a UK-based charity for people affected by sarcoidosis
Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation: a UK-based charity that offers support and information for people affected by lung cancer
Positive Coping with Health Conditions: a self-care workbook written by health professionals that provides strategies to help individuals living with health problems to cope
General mental health websites and workbooks
These resources support general mental health and may not be specific to health problems.
Northumberland NHS self-help
Brief self-help leaflets on: Abuse, Alcohol, Anxiety, Domestic Violence, Self Harm, Panic, Depression, Post Traumatic Stress, Postnatal Depression, Obsessions and Compulsions
Centre for Clinical Interventions
Detailed workbooks on: panic, worrying, assertiveness, disordered eating, low self-esteem, managing distress, depression.
Talk Plus
This website has a range of booklets and videos explaining step by step how to use some of the key cognitive behavioural therapy techniques, for example behavioural activation, problem-solving, worry management and graded exposure. These may be used alongside some of the therapy sessions you attend in our service.
Good Thinking
Tools and resources to help yourself and others to feel better.
Mind
Mental health charity with lots of useful information.
British Lung Foundation playlists that includes advice, tips and interviews all about living well with lung conditions. Consider listening to these interviews:
Positive Coping with Health Conditions – Relaxation Method Audio resource that goes through exercises to release tension and promote relaxation. Accompanies a self-care workbook written by health professionals that provides strategies to help individuals living with health problems to cope
General mental health audio resources:
These resources support general mental health and may not be specific to health problems.
Let’s talk about CBT – audio podcast by Dr Lucy Maddox, BABCP
NHS Moodzone – a range of audio guides and podcasts to boost your mood including low mood and depression, overcoming sleep problems, unhelpful thinking, and low confidence and assertiveness
Exercise and mental health – podcast by the Mental Health Foundation
Glasgow Wellbeing Service – a range of audio resources on topics such as anxiety, relaxation, panic, sleep and stress
Listen to Chris’s journey about living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and the challenges to adjusting to life with this lung condition (source: British Lung Foundation):
Listen to Caroline’s journey about the emotional impact of living with asthma and COPD and the benefits of seeking help (source: British Lung Foundation):
If you would like to know more about how psychological therapy within our service may be helpful for you, please book an appointment with us – be sure to state that you would like to be seen in “integrated LTC-IAPT” in your referral. Alternatively, you may wish to speak to your GP or physical health team about a referral to our service.
General mental health videos:
These resources support general mental health and may not be specific to health problems.
What is CBT – Mind
Depression – I had a Black Dog
Depression & Low Mood – British Sign Language version
Glasgow Wellbeing Service – videos on anxiety, low mood, stress, sleep, panic and anger
Talk Plus – videos on a range of cognitive behavioural therapy techniques including behavioural activation, problem-solving, graded exposure and worry management
Understanding and managing stress – video by the Mental Health Foundation
Pulmonary rehabilitation courses are offered locally for people with lung conditions – ask your GP or specialist healthcare professionals from your community or hospital respiratory team about how to go about accessing this.
While some group courses have been disrupted during the pandemic, it may be helpful to look at the following website and to also ask your healthcare team for updates. There may be online versions of courses available to you.
All courses usually give information about living well with lung conditions, and give people the chance to meet and share experiences with others with lung conditions.
The following community respiratory services are local to the boroughs of Camden and Islington and offer pulmonary rehabilitation: