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Take care of your mental health with CF.

If you have anxiety or depression at times, you’re not alone. It’s not easy to live with a chronic illness like cystic fibrosis (CF). The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation reports that people with CF are two to three times more likely to experience anxiety or depression or both. Caregivers, especially parents of children with CF, can also be affected.1

Why taking care of your mental health matters.

It’s just as important to care of your mental health as treating your CF symptoms.

If you don’t treat them, depression and anxiety can make it harder to manage your CF. This can worsen your health.

Depression is not the same as feeling sad or blue. It affects the way you think, feel and act. Depression can make you feel hopeless. You may lose interest in things you used to enjoy. Treat depression, or it may not go away.

Anxiety is common. It’s a natural response to worrying about your health, relationships, work or finances. It usually comes and goes. Anxiety disorder is when it doesn’t go away. It interferes with your daily life.

If you experience anxiety or depression, get help. Talk to your doctor or CVS Specialty® CF CareTeam. Tell them how you feel. Your doctor can help you choose how to take better care of your mental health. This may include medications. Or they may refer you to a counselor or other mental health professional.

You can do things on your own, too. Here are some ideas:

  • Learn as much as you can about CF. Find out what you can do to best take care of yourself.
  • Stay connected. Depression can make people cut back on their social life. Keep up your relationship with family and friends.
  • Find support. Check out CF support groups. Talk about how you feel with other people who live with CF.
  • Spend time with people who lift your spirits.
  • Ask for help when you need it.
  • Stay away from alcohol, caffeine and tobacco.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Eat a healthy diet.
  • Exercise.
  • Practice relaxation techniques.
  • Get professional care if needed.

Remember, your CF CareTeam is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions, help with your medication, connect you to third-party financial assistance programs, and help you find support in your community. Call 1-866-845-6790.

Disclaimers

1.  Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 2023 Patient Registry Annual Data Report. Accessed April 14, 2025.

This information is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your medical condition and prior to starting any new treatment. CVS Specialty assumes no liability whatsoever for the information provided or for any diagnosis or treatment made as a result, nor is it responsible for the reliability of the content.

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