A new nationwide survey reveals that 7 in 10 (69%) of UK adults are unaware of the mental health impacts of chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, and long COVID. Commissioned by Tele-Therapies, founded by Gloucestershire based, Dr. Devi Sundar, an integrative mind body medicine consultant.
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16th October 2025, UK - Millions of people living with chronic lung conditions such as COPD, asthma, and long COVID experience more than physical breathlessness — they also face “Emotional Breathlessness.” Anxiety, fear, and social isolation often accompany these illnesses, yet these psychological burdens frequently go unseen and untreated.
A recent in-depth analysis of YouGov data commissioned by Tele-Therapies, a pioneering online respiratory and mental health service founded by Dr. Devi Sundar, a Gloucestershire-based Integrative Mind-Body Medicine Consultant, founder of Tele-Therapies and Mind Body Synergy CIC, reveals that public awareness of the mental health challenges associated with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) remains critically low across the UK.
In November 2024, she launched a six-month national advocacy campaign to integrate mental health support into pulmonary rehabilitation and petitioned the UK Parliament for a national COPD mental health strategy. She continues to lead campaign for the same cause locally in Gloucestershire.
The survey found that only 31 per cent of UK adults are aware of the mental health impacts of CRDs, leaving nearly seven in ten (69 per cent) unaware of this significant public health issue. Awareness is particularly low among younger adults (18–24 years, 32 per cent) and males (28 per cent), while older adults (55+, 36 per cent) and females (34 per cent) show comparatively higher awareness — highlighting a notable generational and gender gap in understanding the mind-lung health connection.
“Our findings show a significant gap in public perception, which can delay help-seeking and under-recognition of psychological distress in people with chronic respiratory illness,” said Dr. Sundar, founder of Tele-Therapies and MindBody Synergy CIC.
“Physical breathlessness is visible, but emotional breathlessness — anxiety, fear, despair — often goes unnoticed. Integrating psychosocial support into respiratory care is no longer optional; it is essential. Treating mind and lungs together is the only way to support patients effectively.” explained Dr. Sundar, founder of Tele-Therapies and MindBody Synergy CIC.
Regional awareness differences
The analysis revealed wide regional variation: awareness was highest in Wales (37 per cent), the South West (35 per cent), and Northern Ireland (33 per cent), and lowest in the South East (27 per cent), East of England (29 per cent), and East (29 per cent).
Scotland, London, and the Midlands hovered around the national average (31–32 per cent).
“In regions like Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Bristol, where chronic respiratory disease rates are high, emotional breathlessness remains under-recognised,” added Dr. Sundar.
“There is an urgent need for locally accessible, integrated respiratory–mental health care.”
The hidden burden of breathlessness
Chronic respiratory conditions often come with anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal, which can worsen physical symptoms and reduce treatment adherence. The survey revealed additional insights:
• Working-age adults show the lowest awareness (14 per cent “very aware,” 25 per cent “not aware at all”), highlighting the need for workplace health education.
• Separated or divorced adults (38 per cent) and widowed individuals (33 per cent) report higher awareness, likely reflecting personal or caregiving experiences.
• Married adults (29 per cent) and parents (33 per cent) have moderate awareness, indicating room for improvement.
These findings suggest the value of community and workplace initiatives, particularly targeting working-age adults and families. Bereavement and support groups could also serve as effective outreach platforms.
Public support for integrated care
With 69 per cent of adults unaware of the mental health impacts of CRDs, there is a clear need for integrated care pathways that address both physical and emotional wellbeing. Embedding psychological screening, emotional support, and trauma-informed approaches into respiratory care can provide holistic, person-centred treatment.
“The mind and lungs are deeply interconnected, communicating through breath and the nervous system,” said Dr. Sundar.
“A trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach can be life-changing. Integration is no longer optional — emotional and physical breathlessness must be treated together.”
Call for action: Integrated care and public awareness
Dr. Devi Sundar is calling for:
1. Greater public awareness campaigns addressing the emotional dimension of chronic lung disease.
2. Incorporation of psychological screening and support into pulmonary(lung) rehabilitation programs.
3. Clinician training on trauma-informed and culturally sensitive care.
4. Prioritisation of funding for psycho-socially integrated respiratory models.
Dr. Sundar led a national advocacy campaign (November 2024) to include mental health support in pulmonary (lung) rehabilitation and has petitioned in UK parliament to establish a national COPD mental health strategy. She also leads ongoing campaign “Integrate Mental and Physical Health Care for COPD Patients in Gloucestershire” https://www.change.org/MentalHealthCOPD
About Dr. Devi Sundar
Dr. Devi Sundar founded Tele-Therapies LTD and MindBody Synergy CIC
Tele-Therapies offers nationwide, online, evidence-informed programs for people with chronic respiratory disease, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Combining neuroscience, psychotherapy, Ayurveda, and breath-based rehabilitation, it promotes whole-person healing through a culturally attuned, trauma-informed model.
MindBody Synergy CIC, empowers individuals and communities through holistic mind-body interventions, supporting people to overcome chronic respiratory conditions, mental health challenges, and workplace stress-related injuries nationwide. Offers subsidized training to patients and healthcare professionals. Popular activities- Breathe café (free) and Canvas Breath Art (subsidised fee)
Dr. Sundar’s book, Breath Beyond Illness, explores the emotional toll of chronic respiratory disease and the breath–trauma loop linking 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:
Breath Beyond Illness encourages readers to rediscover the healing power of every breath.
• eBook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FV8YG8YM/ref
• Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FVDYCF64/ref
About the Study
The findings are drawn from Tele-Therapies’ service development survey. All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2173 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th - 8th October 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all UK adults (aged 18+).
Queries about this post to be directed to Dr. Devi Sundar, Ph.D
Integrative Mind-Body Medicine Consultant
🌐 www.tele-therapies.org | www.mindbodysynergycic.org
📧 sdevi@tele-therapies.org
📧 support@mindbodysynergycic.org
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