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360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

Sometimes depression doesn’t look like what we expect.

It’s not always tears.
It’s not always obvious.

Sometimes it’s just feeling… off.
Like you’re there, but not really there.
Like everything takes more effort than it should.
Like you’re tired in a way that rest doesn’t fix.

And when you’re living with COPD, bronchiectasis, NTM, or caring for someone who is — that weight can quietly build over time.

The physical side is already a lot.
The mental side can be just as heavy.

It might look like:
• Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
• Pulling back from people or conversations
• Feeling overwhelmed by small things
• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Low energy, low motivation, or trouble focusing
• Being harder on yourself than you’d ever be on anyone else

And sometimes… you can’t quite explain it at all.

If this sounds familiar, please don’t brush it off.

Don’t ignore how you’re feeling. It matters.

You don’t have to “push through” everything on your own.
You don’t have to wait until it gets worse to say something.

We are a community here — and you matter here.

On the hard days, even something small can help:
a message, a check-in, a few minutes outside, a familiar song, a quiet moment to breathe.

And if all you can do today is get through the day — that counts.

You are not a burden.
You are not alone.
And you don’t have to carry this quietly.

If you feel up to it, what’s something that helps you when the days feel heavier? 💙

1 day ago

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  • 360Coach Brandon If this post hit close to home — even a little — please don’t sit with it alone.

    Sometimes the hardest part isn’t what we’re feeling… it’s taking that first step to say it out loud.

    You don’t have to wait until things feel overwhelming.
    You don’t have to have the right words.
    Even “I’m not okay” is more than enough.

    There are people ready to listen and meet you where you are:

    • You can call or text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — just dial or text 988 (24/7, free, and confidential)
    • You can chat online if talking feels like too much
    • If you feel like you might be in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
    • Reach out to your doctor or care team — your mental health matters just as much as your physical health
    • Talk to someone you trust — a friend, family member, or even someone here

    And if someone you know is struggling…
    a simple “I’m here” or “I’ve been thinking about you” can mean more than you realize.

    Don’t be afraid to talk to someone when things feel harder.
    You are worth it. 100%.

    There are people who care.
    There is support.
    And there is a way through this moment — one step, one conversation at a time.

    We’re here with you. 💙1 day ago
  • Ksmiles123Brandon,
    Yes, one step, one hour, one day at a time. Many of us question whether the quality of our life will ever get better. I am by a survivor of fearing that I was going down the rabbit hole, that I would never be productive again. I eventually made it to the other side several times to live a better quality of life. There were days when I could only put one thing on my things to do list since I was so exhausted from a NTM infection and the multiple antibiotics- this is very difficult to accept for a type A personality. I continue to fight challenging days but have hope in a better tomorrow . Many new drugs , therapies are now in the pipeline for BNTM patients. A listening ear with a phone call or zoom call, a good cry, an online post or comment on a post may take some of these fears off your chest. You are not alone. Please reach out as needed. 1 day ago
  • das23If anyone is not feeling well emotionally----Reach out--There IS help✌1 day ago
Lucinda

LucindaTogether we could create a brighter future for people living with bronchiectasis. We’re looking for adults to join The AIRTIVITY® Study to see if an investigational medicine – designed to target the harmful inflammation that contributes to bronchiectasis – can help improve the lives of people living with the condition.

Join the movement – to find out how to take part, please contact the study team, visit theairtivitystudy.com

http://airtivity.researchstudytrial.com/?utm_source=patient_advocacy_group&utm_medium=Bronch_NTM_newsletter&utm_campaign=patient_recruitment&r=16

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! A coping skills toolbox is a collection of strategies designed to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. These toolboxes can include various techniques and activities tailored to different situations and personal preferences.Components of a Coping Skills Toolbox may include - Coping Strategies: Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, or journaling that help regulate emotions.Creative Activities: Engaging in art, music, or writing to express feelings and distract from stress.Physical Activities: Exercise or movement-based strategies such as walking that promote physical well-being and reduce anxiety.Social Connections: Encouraging interaction with friends or family to foster support and connection.ideas for building a personal coping skills toolbox. Identifying personal triggers, and having your toolbox ready will improve your daily life. A few items in my toolbox include listening to upbeat music, journaling, walking, trashing negative thoughts, not overbooking due to uncertainty of stamina , keeping things in perspective and celebrating little wins. Emotional health toolboxes  can help individuals create a personalized approach to be prepared in managing their emotional health more effectively. Do you have a coping skills toolbox idea to share with the community? 

18 hours ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Living with BNTM can bring moments of stress—but small,
intentional steps can make a big difference. 💙

A few of the many things that can cause stress may include- things
not going your way, things not going the way they “should”, misperceptions,
frustrations with your healthcare professionals’ office/ managing your own healthcare,
taking things personally, and so much more. A few tips on managing these
stressors include the following:

✨Breathe deeply: Even 3–5 slow breaths
can calm your nervous system

✨Create a daily “quiet pocket”: A
few minutes of stillness, or mindfulness

✨Gentle movement: Stretching or a
short walk can ease both body and mind

✨Stay connected: You’re not alone—reach
out to someone who understands

✨Celebrate small wins: Every airway
clearance, every push to the next appointment, and each step forward in the
right direction matters. Stress doesn’t define your journey—your resilience does.
One calm moment at a time. Would you like to share some of your stress management
tips with our BNTM community?

1 day ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Do you have a used vehicle that you no longer need? Your vehicle can help support something meaningful.

Donate your car, truck, or SUV to the COPD Foundation and help accelerate our work to create a better future for those living with chronic lung disease.

Free pick-up. Easy process.

🚗 Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gfKUcXcZ

2 days ago

Dixiedeb

Dixiedeb

Having a flare up

3 days ago

ChristinaH

ChristinaHvoted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

3 days ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

🌿 “The Little Things That Help” Check-In (Bronchiectasis & NTM Edition)

With bronchiectasis or NTM, so much of the day can revolve around routines… treatments… pacing yourself… and figuring out what helps you feel just a little bit better.

And often, it’s the small things that make the biggest difference.

Maybe it’s:

A tip that helps with airway clearance
A way you time your treatments that works better for you
Something that helps when the cough or fatigue is heavier
A comfort, routine, or “go-to” that helps you reset

💬 What’s one small thing that helps you get through the day?

If you’re a caregiver or supporting someone, we’d love to hear from you too—what have you found helps?

Sometimes the smallest ideas turn into the biggest support for someone else reading along.

✨ Gentle reminder: If you’re noticing changes—more cough, fatigue, or anything that feels different than your usual—it’s always a good idea to check in with your care team and lean on your action plan if you have one.

3 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Stress is common amongst everyone throughout their lives, but it is compounded by having a chronic condition. Below is a blog article, written by Jane Martin, BA, LRT, CRT, offering some advice on managing stress in our daily lives: https://www.bronchiectasisandntminitiative.org/BronchandNTM360social/Community-Discussions/Blog/Article/92/Managing-Stress-with-Bronchiectasis-and-NTM

Managing Stress with Bronchiectasis and NTM

This blog post was written by Jane Martin, BA, LRT, CRT If you have Bronchiectasis/NTM, you well know that the effects of this disease can result in major changes to your lifestyle and activities. And these changes, and challenges, are bound to cause stress. Looking at common causes of stress …

3 days ago

Priss

Priss

😄

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! How are you dealing with the stress of having a medical condition? BNTM are mostly invisible disorders that are misunderstood by others. Below is an article on Stress Management Tips , from the Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/6392-stress-coping-with-lifes-stressors
Let me know if any of their tips hit home with you or if you have any questions. 

4 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Easter to all who celebrate this holiday! 🐇🐰🐣 Tis a season of a new beginning, a season of hope. I hope you enjoy this special day whether you are with family, friends or on your own. 

5 days ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Happy Passover to everyone who celebrates this holiday. Enjoy your celebrations. 

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon

🌷 A Little Spring, A Little Reflection 🌷

As Easter weekend arrives, this time of year has a way of bringing back memories—moments spent with family, traditions that made us smile, and the connections that have stayed with us over the years.

Even if things look a little different now, those memories still carry something special… a sense of hope, of fresh starts, and of finding light in the little things.

And just like that, we begin to see it around us again.
Even if winter is still holding on in some places, there are signs… a few blooms pushing through, longer days, a bit more light finding its way in.

It’s a gentle reminder that change doesn’t always come all at once—but it does come.

For many of us, this weekend is also about those simple moments—time with family, a call to someone we’ve been thinking about, or just sitting quietly and taking in a bit of fresh air.

Maybe today is a good day to:
🌼 Step outside and soak in a little spring
📞 Reach out to someone who’s been on your mind
🐾 Or just enjoy a small moment that makes you smile

Wherever you are, and whatever this weekend looks like for you, we hope you can find a little bit of that “fresh start” feeling in your own way.

💬 What’s something—past or present—that brings you a sense of hope this time of year?

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Living with Bronchiectasis NTM can bring daily stress—but small moments of spiritual connection can make a meaningful difference. Spirituality can be a powerful tool in the toolbox for lowering stress. Spirituality can improve how individuals cope both emotionally and physically. • A quiet prayer or moment of reflection can calm your breathing
• Trusting in something greater can ease fear and uncertainty
• Slowing down your breath helps your body shift into healing mode
• You are not alone—connection within a community brings strength.

1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon Hello everyone! 

Our next BronchandNTM360social Coffee Break is Wednesday, April 8, 2026 @ 2:30pm EDT.

Joining us this month is Dr. Christopher Richards, MD. to discuss the relationship between Cystic Fibrosis and non-Cystic Fibrosis Bronchiectasis. There have been many developments in both areas recently, and these developments may affect how we are treated in the future. Dr. Richards is an Instructor in Medicine at MGH-BIDMC Harvard Pulmonary & Critical Care Fellowship Program.

Dr. Richards has a large and active sub-specialty practice in the management of adult Cystic Fibrosis (CF), non-CF bronchiectasis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) pulmonary infections. He is a fellow of the CF Foundation (CFF) and a member of the Program for Adult Care Excellence at the CFF. He is a site Principal Investigator on several multi-center industry sponsored clinical trials in CFTR modulator therapy as well as studies from the CFF on outcomes in CF. Dr. Richards has written reviews and case studies in the management of NTM infections in CF and is a local expert in this area.

https://www.pulmonaryfellowship.hms.harvard.edu/christopher-j-richards-md 

We will open the call fifteen minutes early, so please join us if you wish to speak casually with us or other community members. Any health-related discussion will be held until the start of the meeting.

The meeting registration link is here: 
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZclcuusrDMpG9PrF3BDUA2nw2csTkQsg7EG#/registration

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Information on Artemis 11 in the link below. It is so inspirational to witness what some people thought was impossible to be possible. Wishing the astronauts a great, safe and successful trip. https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/nasa-artemis-ii-launch/

Watch Live: Artemis II launches, beginning NASA's historic moon mission

NASA's Artemis II astronauts launched on a nine-day mission around the moon and back.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123answered the question Sodium Chloride 7% coverage?

Research is currently being conducted on the benefits of normal saline in BNTM patients. We will keep you updated.
windy1977 also answered the question windy1977 also answered the question

1 week ago

JD

JDvoted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! I hope that you were not the recipient of a bad prank today.🤗

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Below are 90 inspirational quotes for the month of April : https://www.positivityblog.com/april-quotes/
Please comment with your favorite quote.😍👋 Thank you! 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello, April! 🌸A new month brings fresh air, longer days, more sunshine. Hopefully, you will be able to get out and about more for a walk or whatever outdoor activity you enjoy. 
Let us support one another and step forward on our healing journeys.  May you continue to show strength in ways that often go unseen. April is a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be huge to be real. Every small choice for your health, every moment you choose to keep going… it all counts. You are not alone in this—we’re walking this path together with hope in our hearts . 💙
Throughout this month, we will focus on symptom management, stress management and sleep hygiene. 
Here’s to a month of steady progress, renewed motivation, and gentle victories.

1 week ago

Kareslungs

Kareslungs

Doing OK today but have to be on O2 24/7.

1 week ago

  • NewestOldest
  • das23Welcome Kareslungs.......1 week ago
  • Ksmiles123Kareslungs,Hello! Welcome to the community. I am sure that being on oxygen 24/7 is very challenging for you. We have assistance available for you in many forms. In addition to the community support you receive here on BronchiectasisandNTM360, you can call one of our Patient Ambassadors directly by phone at (833) 411-5864. Our Ambassadors are real live patients with experiences maybe able to assist you with what you are going through.  You can also email us at contactus@bronchandntm.orgto get more information about any oxygen therapy.Our Ambassadors can’t provide medical advice but may be able to assist you with additional information and resources. Again, welcome to the community. 1 week ago
Eileen

Eileen

Hi,Iam in the U.K . I do speedy walking around the sea front ,ending in a slow run up 50 steps, twice a day, for around 10 years, what caused the problem was being sent by my then doctor for a C.T. Scan with Contrast , I continue do speedy walking. I was not given any information regarding the scan, sent to my computer,not at the local Hospital but at a Community Diagnostic Centre. Came out of the scan in terrible condition ,then diagnosed with Bronchiectasis. I am determined to keep on walking !,  Best Wishes Eileen.



1 week ago

360Coach Brandon

360Coach Brandon voted on What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

Gave a thumbs up for a blog post!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123commented onWhat Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

 Please do share this information with your local doctors to assist in the development of a BNTM Care Center Network in your local area. The creation of the BNTM Care Center Network is such a gift for BNTM patients throughout the USA. These centers...

1 week ago

Community Announcements

Community Announcementsadded a new article What Is the Bronchiectasis and NTM Care Center Network?

This blog post was authored by Lucinda Shore and reviewed by the Bronchiectasis and NTM Content Review and Evaluation Committee.

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123

Hello! Safety and preventive measures are much easier to
address than curative measures.

BNTM DAILY SAFETY CHECKLIST

✅ Airway Clearance ☐
Completed airway clearance. Used proper technique (not rushed)

☐ Noted any change in sputum (color,
amount, thickness)

Equipment Hygiene ☐ Washed nebulizer/devices after
use ☐ Air dried completely

☐ Disinfected (as scheduled)

Hydration & Nutrition ☐
Drank enough fluids today

☐ Ate balanced, nourishing
meals. Noted any early fullness or appetite changes

Environment Awareness ☐ Avoided dust/construction exposure.
Took precautions with soil or gardening (mask/gloves) ☐
Limited exposure to steam, hot tubs, or aerosolized water

💊 Medication Safety ☐
Took medications as prescribed ☐ Noticed any side effects and reported
concerns as needed

😴 Rest & Energy Balance
☐ Balanced activity with rest ☐
Avoided overexertion. Listened to body signals

Reflux / Aspiration Prevention ☐
Avoided eating 2–3 hours before bed

☐ Elevated head of bed ☐
Noted throat clearing or morning cough

Symptom Monitoring ☐ Worsening cough, significant
increase in sputum, fever, and energy levels❤

Emotional Well-Being ☐ Checked in with mood/stress ☐
Connected with someone (text,call, support group) ☐
Practiced a calming activity

CALL YOUR PROVIDER IF: Symptoms worsen for 3–5 days, with noticeable
breathing decline, or new chest discomfort.


Consistency = Protection. Small daily actions help prevent big
setbacks 💙 

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Do you have a car you no longer need? Turn it into something truly meaningful. Give your old car 🚗 a new purpose.
Put Hope in the Driver’s Seat with the COPD Foundation Vehicle Donation Program. Your generosity directly empowers the COPD Foundation’s efforts to support groundbreaking research, increase public awareness, educate patients, caregivers, and medical professionals, and advocate for the more than 350 million people worldwide affected by chronic lung diseases. Donate your vehicle to COPD Foundation by simply completing the form in the link and we'll reach out to you to arrange the pick-up of your vehicle donation, at no cost to you. You may qualify for a tax deduction while supporting a cause that is near and dear to your heart https://copdfoundation.careasy.org/
       Easy Process | Free Towing 
                 Tax Benefits

COPD Foundation Vehicle Donation Program

Donating a car is fast, easy and secure. COPD Foundation accepts all types of vehicles - running or not - including cars, trucks, boats, RVs, motorcycles, and more. Donate your vehicle today!

1 week ago

Ksmiles123

Ksmiles123Hello! Happy National Doctors Day! We are so grateful to the doctors who have dedicated their careers to assist BNTM patients. The core group of BNTM doctors are committed to assist with the development of new drugs and treatments to improve the quality of our lives. 

1 week ago

Medical Advice

It is not our intention to serve as a substitute for medical advice and any content posted should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. While we encourage individuals to share their personal experiences with bronchiectasis and NTM, please consult a physician before making changes to your own disease management plan.

 
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