This might be a face-to-face conversation, or you may find it easier to talk on the phone or write down how you feel in a letter

There may not be a 'good' time or place to tell your family and friends, but it can help if you can find somewhere quiet and comfortable, where you are unlikely to be disturbed 

You could do this in your head or make some notes. Phrases such as "I've not been feeling like myself lately" or "I'm finding it hard to cope at the moment" might be a good starting point

If you've found a useful description in a booklet or on this website, you could use it to help explain what you're experiencing

It can sometimes feel uncomfortable sharing personal feelings, but explaining how they are affecting your life may help others to understand​

There are many different things you can do to help improve your wellbeing. Below are some simple suggestions which could help you manage your condition and day-to-day life:

1. Prioritise your daily activities, so that the most important tasks are completed first

2. Plan ahead but try to keep your schedule as flexible as possible

3. Pay attention to how your body feels when you are active (for example shortness of breath, tiredness or coughing). Adjust the intensity of the activity you are doing according to how you feel

4. Take regular breaks, before you start to feel exhausted. Be sure to balance activities with regular periods of rest

5. Ask others for help whenever you can. Friends, family members and acquaintances can help you with day-to-day tasks, such as running errands, arranging appointments and tidying the house

6. Try to avoid thinking stressful thoughts like “I have to do this,” or “I really should do that”

7. Try to eat as healthily as possible. Please visit the nutrition section for additional tips to help support a healthy diet

8. Try light exercise such as taking a short walk or gardening when you can. You can discuss the different types of exercise and how much exercise you should do with your treatment team. Please visit the exercise section for more resources to help you develop an appropriate exercise plan

9. Cigarettes and other tobacco products can cause significant damage to your lungs and make your breathing worse. If you are a smoker, quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke can be beneficial for your breathing and overall health.² Your treatment team can recommend programs to help you stop smoking. Speak with them first about the various options that could work for you