Millions of people living with chronic lung conditions, such as COPD, asthma, and long COVID, not only struggle with physical breathlessness but also face emotional breathlessness. The impact of anxiety, fear, depression, and social isolation on their quality of life often goes unseen and untreated.
A recent nationwide survey commissioned by Dr. Devi Sundar, founder of Tele-Therapies and MindBody Synergy CIC, reveals a concerning lack of public awareness about the emotional toll of chronic respiratory diseases. The survey, which included over 2,100 UK adults, found that only 31% of adults recognize the emotional burden of these conditions, leaving nearly seven in ten unaware.
The survey also uncovered significant patterns in awareness among different demographics. Younger adults (18-24 years) and men (28%) are the least informed, while older adults (55+ years) and women (34%) show slightly more awareness. Interestingly, working-age adults (between 25-54 years) were found to be the most under-informed, with only 14% reporting being “very aware” of the emotional toll of chronic respiratory diseases.
The survey also revealed that life experience plays a role in awareness levels. Adults who are separated or divorced (38%) and widowed individuals (33%) showed higher levels of awareness, likely reflecting personal experiences with illness or caregiving. Married adults (29%) and parents (33%) showed moderate levels of awareness, highlighting the need for targeted education in workplaces, families, and communities.
There were also regional differences in awareness, with the highest levels found in Wales (37%), the South West (35%), and Northern Ireland (33%), and the lowest in the South East (27%) and East of England (29%). These disparities indicate that public health messaging and local support services may not be reaching those who need them the most.
Ignoring the emotional toll of chronic respiratory diseases can worsen physical symptoms, reduce treatment adherence, and delay help-seeking. Therefore, it is essential to integrate mental health support into respiratory care.
Dr. Devi Sundar, the founder of Tele-Therapies and MindBody Synergy CIC, stated, “Our findings highlight a significant gap in public perception, which can delay help-seeking and lead to under-recognition of psychological distress in people with chronic respiratory illness.”
At Tele-Therapies and MindBody Synergy CIC, we offer a holistic approach to treating chronic respiratory conditions by combining psychotherapy, neuroscience, Ayurveda, and breath-based rehabilitation. Our trauma-informed and culturally sensitive programs have shown to help patients cope better, recover faster, and feel less isolated. Treating the mind and lungs together is not a luxury but a necessity.
Immediate action is needed to address this issue, including public awareness campaigns to highlight the emotional burden of chronic lung disease, embedding psychological screening into pulmonary rehabilitation programs, providing clinician training in trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care, and targeted funding for integrated mind-lung care models.
As Dr. Sundar emphasizes, “The mind and lungs are deeply connected through breath and the nervous system. Ignoring emotional suffering is no longer acceptable. Greater awareness, integrated care, and targeted funding could change the lives of millions across the UK.”
To support our public awareness campaign, “Integrate Mental and Physical Health Care for COPD Patients in Gloucestershire,” please visit https://www.change.org/MentalHealthCOPD.
Dr. Devi Sundar, Ph.D., is the founder of Tele-Therapies LTD and MindBody Synergy CIC. Her organizations empower individuals and communities through holistic mind-body interventions, supporting people to overcome chronic respiratory conditions, mental health challenges, and workplace stress-related injuries nationwide. They also offer subsidized training to patients and healthcare professionals, including activities such as the Breathe Café (free) and Canvas Breath Art (subsidized fee).
Dr. Sundar’s book, “Breath Beyond Illness,” explores the emotional toll of chronic respiratory disease and the breath-trauma loop that links the mind and lungs. It offers evidence-based insights, reflection prompts, and her Psychosocially Integrative Pulmonary Rehab (PIPR) Model for integrating emotional and physical healing. “Breath Beyond Illness” is available on Amazon in both eBook and paperback formats.
The study findings are drawn from Tele-Therapies’ service development survey, conducted by YouGov Plc. The survey included a nationally representative sample of 2,173 UK adults (aged 18+) and was conducted online between 7th-8th October 2025. All data were weighted to ensure national representation.