If you or your loved ones have chronic kidney disease, you probably already know that kidney disease takes not only a serious physical toll, but it also has a major impact on mental health. Feelings of stress, depression or anxiety are common among those living with kidney disease as well as their caregivers.

Research has shown that people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney failure have a 3 to 4 times higher prevalence of depression compared with the general population.

A nationwide survey released by the American Kidney Fund in 2018 found that depression emerged as a leading contributing factor to treatment nonadherence, and a study released this month showed that mental illness is associated with poorer health outcomes among people with self-reported CKD. Both of these findings signal a need to improve management of mental health needs within kidney care.

It is well known that mental health issues are significant among many people living with kidney disease. The diagnosis itself, the stress of taking lots of medicines, the adjustments to lifestyle and diet and being on dialysis can be overwhelming. It’s normal to have emotional ups and downs from time to time, but when those feelings become more frequent or more serious, seeing a mental health professional is important for overall health.

Although most people would not hesitate to see a doctor if they were physically ill, they may be resistant to seeking medical help for mental illness. They may think they should tough it out or perhaps they think mental health professionals only treat severe cases. But mental health is just as important as physical health.

According to the American Kidney Fund, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD or kidney failure) face higher rates of depression. It’s taxing on mental health to deal with a chronic illness and all the pressure it puts on a patient’s life.

Kidney patients may experience the following symptoms of depression:

• Regular pain
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feelings of lack of control over their daily routine and lives
• Feeling like they’re powerless over the disease
• Feeling hopeless because there is no “cure” for kidney disease
• Unwanted feelings of dependence on healthcare providers and/or dialysis equipment
• Feeling excluded from social experiences due to their illness or its limitations (like having to keep dialysis appointments or follow a specific diet)

These mental health tips can help you maintain better mental health when managing your kidney disease:

1. WORK CLOSELY WITH YOUR DOCTORS

Part of being an advocate for yourself is being an active part of your healthcare team. Share your concerns about treatment with your doctors and other care providers. Tell them how you feel about your health and how your condition affects your life.

2. ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF 

One of the reasons people with chronic illness are prone to mental health issues like depression is because they feel like they don’t have control over their illness and how it affects their life. So the first of our mental health tips is to be proactive in your treatment plan and advocate for yourself.

3. ASK FOR SUPPORT FROM LOVED ONES

Trying to manage a chronic illness and handle everyday stresses can seem almost impossible when dealing with everything alone. That’s why an excellent mental health tip is to reach out for help from your loved ones when you need them.

4. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF AVAILABLE RESOURCES

A tremendous mental health tip is to ensure you tap into all the available resources. Social workers and mental health professionals are well-versed in assisting kidney patients. You may also find helpful information in self-help books or support groups.

5. GET PLENTY OF REST

Staying rested isn’t only crucial for your physical health, and it is one of the most essential mental health tips. Being tired and fatigued takes a significant toll on mental health. So ensure your daily schedule allows for rest and that you get enough sleep at night. Many kidney patients sometimes find sleeping difficult, so talk to your doctor about ways to get more sleep.

6. FOLLOW YOUR TREATMENT PLAN

Once you have spoken to your doctor and care team about the treatment plan that is right for you, follow it closely. Doing so will help you feel better physically over time. And physical wellness will naturally feed into mental wellness, including mental health tips.

7. EAT WELL

Following a kidney-friendly diet may seem complicated, but it will help you feel better in several ways. It should improve your physical wellness, which, as we mentioned before, will help with mental health. Also, getting the nutrients you need can help ward off the symptoms of depression.

8. STAY ACTIVE

Following a doctor-approved fitness routine can do wonders for your mental health. People who get regular exercise often find that activity relieves the symptoms of depression or helps prevent them in the first place. Just make sure you consult your nephrologist or another healthcare provider to ensure you get the appropriate amount of exercise and do it correctly.

9. FOCUS ON WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY

One of the best mental health tips is to focus on things that make you happy. Find hobbies that bring you joy and work them into your routine as much as possible. Read books and watch movies that make you feel good. Spend quality time with loved ones. All these things can help you cope with chronic illness and lift your mood.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have end-stage renal disease with dialysis access related problems, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more