Life Tethered to a Concentrator — Caroline Gainer

I have a few tips, tricks, and gadgets that help me live a good life with my chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They come during my morning and evening routines, which help…

While watching coverage of a landslide on my news feed, I was reminded of a time when I had a close brush with one. A carpool I was in just missed it, but the…

Growing up in rural central West Virginia, I can remember the doctor coming to the house with his black bag full of medicine and instruments. Now I have two providers that I consult with…

Now that I have treatment for my depression and inability to sleep, I look a little differently than I used to at the occasions when I feel fatigued. I think it’s important for those…

For several years now, a doe has hidden her fawns in the middle flower bed in my front lawn. I gain so much pleasure watching her deposit her children for me to babysit each…

Note: This column describes the author’s own experiences with the sleep aid and antidepressant trazodone. Not everyone will have the same response to treatment. Consult your doctor before starting or stopping a therapy.

When I was suffering from depression, I couldn’t do my housework the way that I wanted. Now that I’m better, I’m enjoying doing things like pulling weeds and other chores. These activities are also…

I was born a preemie weighing in at 4 pounds, and during my first six years of life, I was plagued with numerous ear infections. I now have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In observing Mental Health Awareness Month in May, I’d like to offer some insights into some symptoms we may overlook. Depression and anxiety, for example, are common for those of us with chronic…

Once upon a time, before chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) took my breath away, I had a pet robin named Oscar. He had a damaged wing, which might have been caused by the…

When I was young, I envisioned myself as memorialized in history for my outstanding accomplishments, but recovery from depression has made me fall in love with the ordinary. The onset of chronic…