Looking After Your Mental Wellbeing with Aspergillosis

Originally published: 18 May 2020 | Last reviewed: 18 September 2026 | Next review: September 2028

Living with aspergillosis can affect more than your lungs. Symptoms may be unpredictable, treatment can be demanding, and it can be hard to plan around fatigue, appointments, infections or flare-ups. It is understandable to feel anxious, low, frustrated, isolated or worn down at times.

Looking after your mental wellbeing is not a luxury or an optional extra. It can make it easier to cope with symptoms, make treatment decisions and stay connected to the things that matter to you.

There is no “right” way to feel

A diagnosis of aspergillosis, or a change in your health, can bring many different reactions. You may feel relieved to have an explanation for your symptoms, but also worried about the future. You may grieve for activities or independence you have lost. Some days you may feel positive and capable; on others, even small tasks may feel difficult.

These reactions do not mean that you are failing to cope. Chronic illness asks a great deal of people, and feelings can change over time.

Focus on what you can influence

Aspergillosis often involves uncertainty. You cannot control every symptom, test result or appointment outcome, but it can help to identify the small things you can influence today.

• Take medicines and treatments as agreed with your clinical team.
• Keep a short note of symptoms, questions or changes you want to discuss at an appointment.
• Plan a manageable activity that gives your day some structure or enjoyment.
• Build in rest before you become exhausted, rather than treating rest as something you have to earn.
• Choose one reliable source of health information instead of repeatedly searching online.

Stay connected in ways that work for you

Illness can make it easier to withdraw from other people, especially if you are tired, breathless or worried about infection. But connection can be protective. A short phone call, message, online meeting or a gentle outing with someone you trust can make a real difference.

You do not have to explain every detail of aspergillosis. It can be enough to say: “I am having a difficult health day and would appreciate some company,” or “I cannot manage a long visit, but I would like to keep in touch.”

The Aspergillosis Support and Community page includes information about our online meetings and other ways to connect with people who understand some of the challenges of living with aspergillosis.

Be kind to your body and your energy

Your physical and mental wellbeing are closely linked. Gentle, regular routines can help, but they should be adapted to your health and energy—not based on what you think you “should” be able to do.

• Keep as regular a sleep routine as possible.
• Eat and drink regularly, particularly when symptoms or medication affect appetite.
• Include movement that is safe and realistic for you, such as a short walk, stretches, breathing exercises or a programme recommended by your physiotherapist.
• Make time for something absorbing or enjoyable: music, reading, gardening, crafts, a favourite programme or talking with someone you like.
• Notice whether alcohol, smoking, poor sleep or relentless activity are making your mood or symptoms harder to manage.

Make room for difficult thoughts

Trying to push away every worry can sometimes make it more persistent. It may help to name what is happening: “I am feeling frightened about my symptoms today,” or “I am worried because I do not yet have an answer.”

Talking to someone you trust can reduce the pressure. Some people find it helpful to write worries down, practise relaxation or mindfulness, or set aside a short, specific time to think through a concern rather than allowing it to take over the whole day.

If health news or social media leaves you more anxious, consider limiting it to a set time each day and using trustworthy sources. You do not need to follow every new story to be well informed.

Ask for support early

Please speak to your GP, respiratory team or another healthcare professional if low mood, anxiety, panic, poor sleep or loss of interest in everyday life is lasting, worsening or affecting how you manage. Support can include practical advice, talking therapies, medication where appropriate, or referral to local services.

The NHS Every Mind Matters website has practical tools and advice for managing stress, anxiety, sleep and low mood.

Urgent mental-health support

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent mental-health support in England, call 111 or use NHS 111 online and select the mental-health option. You do not have to manage a crisis alone.

Further information

• Mental health and anxiety
• Aspergillosis support and community
• NHS Every Mind Matters
• NHS mental health information and support