Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects physical and mental health. People with chronic kidney disease and their families often experience fear, anxiety and uncertainty about the future. It’s not as simple as taking a pill; It involves significant lifestyle changes. Individuals should modify daily activities that may cause stress. As chronic kidney disease progresses, it can affect your health, causing pain and loss. Facing new obstacles is difficult. Ignoring the emotional burden of chronic kidney disease can affect physical health.

Untreated mental health problems can hinder adherence to treatment plans, worsen symptoms, and increase complications. Therefore, it is important to directly address the psychological aspects of CKD. Through support groups and therapy, individuals can effectively cope with kidney disease and related challenges.

What are the psychological effects of chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not only a physical health challenge, but also a mental one. People with chronic kidney disease often experience a variety of symptoms, including:

Anxiety

Depression

Substance use disorder

Managing constant symptoms and treatments like dialysis can be frustrating and exhausting. The unpredictability of disease progression and the threat of serious health problems add to the emotional burden.  

Social isolation is another important factor, as patients may feel isolated from friends and family due to poor health. Additionally, the financial burden of ongoing medical care can increase stress and anxiety. 

Anxiety: Anxiety can be a response to stress. Most people have mild anxiety disorders, such as fight, flight, or panic reactions to stressful situations. But for some people, anxiety is severe and requires treatment.

If you often experience anxiety or stress and it affects your daily life, it may be time to seek anxiety treatment.

One study found that 45.7% of participants with chronic kidney disease received dialysis, with 30% continuing dialysis 16 months later.

Your anxiety can be general or situational. For example, you may feel anxious about certain triggers, which can lead to panic attacks.

Symptoms of stress vary from person to person and depend on the type of stress. Common symptoms may include:

Feeling nervous, uncomfortable, or uneasy

Rapid heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Calm or anxious

Difficulty concentrating

Difficulty reading or sleeping

Disappointed

Depression is common in people with chronic kidney disease. The incidence of depression in patients with chronic kidney disease is three to four times higher than in the general population.

Trusted Source: 100% of people with end-stage kidney disease may suffer from depression. If you are using dialysis to treat chronic kidney disease, you are more likely to develop depression.

Constant mood swings or lack of interest in daily activities or routines can be signs of depression. Other symptoms of depression include:

Disappointment

Weight or appetite changes

Difficulty sleeping

Unable to concentrate

If these symptoms persist for several weeks, you should seek help from a mental health professional. If you are having suicidal thoughts, get help right away.

Substance use disorder

Untreated mental health problems or symptoms of chronic kidney disease can cause some people to turn to smoking, alcohol or drugs.

Excessive use of these substances can worsen chronic kidney disease and other related health conditions. Drug use can affect your life in other ways, such as with loved ones or at work.

If you have chronic kidney disease, you may take many medications that may be affected by alcohol or drugs. Talk to your doctor about using medications to prevent worsening of chronic kidney disease.

Taking care of your mental health is important if you have chronic kidney disease. Establishing healthy habits and routines is a great way to ensure your mental health.If you think you need more help, don’t be afraid to talk to your doctor, other health professionals, family or friends.

Your mental and emotional health is an important component of your physical health. There are many ways to treat chronic kidney disease. Use as many tools as possible to support your mental health.

What challenges do people with chronic kidney disease face?

Chronic illnesses such as chronic kidney disease can affect mental health. Some mental health challenges include:

Cognitive impairment: Research shows chronic kidney disease can affect cognitive function. Patients may have problems with concentration, memory and decision making.

Stress: Managing a chronic illness is stressful. The demands of frequent medical appointments, medications and dietary restrictions can be overwhelming.

What are your strategies for managing mental and emotional health?

Let’s learn all about mental and emotional health management during chronic kidney disease:

Get professional support: Meeting with a mental health professional provides a safe place to express feelings and develop coping strategies. Patients can also join chronic kidney disease support groups to share their experiences. This will reduce their sense of isolation.

Eat healthy: Follow a kidney-friendly diet. Proper nutrition improves not only physical health but also mental health. Certain mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises, can help manage stress and improve mental health.

Build a strong support network: People with chronic kidney disease need emotional support from loved ones. Talking openly and honestly about their feelings and needs will help them understand and understand you. Joining a kidney support group is important to get ongoing support.

Participation in Care: Take an active role in your treatment plan. It improves the feeling of control. Discuss care decisions with your healthcare professional to make sure your preferences and values are taken into account.

Exercise regularly: Exercise is therapeutic and can help manage stress and improve sleep quality.

Reference

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/coping-with-chronic-kidney-disease-emotional-and-mental-health#:~:text=Engaging%20with%20a%20mental%20health,or%20a%20kidney%2Dfriendly%20diet.

https://www.kidneyfund.org/living-kidney-disease/mental-health-and-kidney-disease

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-mental-health

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-mental-health#takeaway

https://www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/support/mental-health-services-for-people-with-kidney-disease

https://bansalhospital.com/mental-health-and-wellbeing-in-kidney-disease-patients/

https://reversefactor.in/kidney-disease-and-mental-health

https://kidney.org.au/your-kidneys/living-with-kidney-disease/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health

https://www.davita.com/education/ckd-life/support/your-emotions-and-chronic-kidney-disease-ckd

https://www.sane.org/information-and-resources/facts-and-guides/chronic-kidney-disease-and-mental-health

https://www.rsnhope.org/chronic-kidney-disease-and-mental-health/