Mental Health and Chronic Kidney Disease

The way you cope with your emotions throughout your kidney disease treatment journey can have a big impact on your mental health and wellbeing.

It's normal to experience a variety of complicated emotions while you're adjusting to life with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Be open with yourself about what you're feeling and let yourself experience these emotions without judgment. Embracing your feelings and sharing your concerns about your condition is a big step towards channelling them into positive changes in your mindset.

Elderly man embracing wife in the outdoors

Emotions You Might Experience

With any major life change comes a rush of emotions. A chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis is no different. Life on dialysis requires physical and mental energy, and you may at times feel overwhelmed by the emotional challenges it brings.

It's common for people living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) to experience some or all of the following:

Sadness
Shock
Grief
Denial
Anger
Depression
Fear
Guilt
Acceptance

You may wonder how kidney disease and dialysis will affect you and the lives of your family and friends or worry about remaining independent while still relying on those around you for help and support. These concerns are normal, and if you're struggling with your mental health and find it difficult to cope with your feelings about your condition, reach out and talk to your loved ones or your healthcare team in order to get the support you need.

healthcare worker holding hand emotional support dialysis

Getting the Mental Health Support You Need

Remember that you're not alone with your condition. Your healthcare team can connect you with the support you may need to manage your emotions and mental health. To get the most out of this support network, you may need to take the lead – asking questions, reporting symptoms and educating yourself about your condition. Caregivers and family members can also play an important role in providing emotional support.

It's important that you're very honest with your clinical team about the emotions you're feeling. You may have access to a social worker or a psychologist within your clinic team. If you're feeling helpless, speak with your doctor. If you're unable to speak with your healthcare team about your mental health, you can reach out to local public resources.

Learn More

Are You a Caregiver or Does Someone You Love Need to Go on Dialysis?

Being a caregiver or a loved one to a dialysis patient means that your life will change in one way or another. Knowing what to expect will help prepare you for the journey ahead. Read more about what to expect when caring for dialysis patients: how you can support your loved one, and why it is important to care for yourself.

Learn more

How to live well with dialysis?

holding hands to give moral support while the patient is on dialysis

Sexuality and kidney disease

It's possible for you to maintain intimate relationships while you’re on dialysis. Learn more about sexuality and dialysis.

Diet for dialysis patients

A kidney-friendly diet can go a long way in helping you feel and do your best throughout your treatment journey. Learn more about your diet and dialysis.

Exercise for dialysis patients

Staying physically healthy can help you get the most out of your treatment. Learn about ways you can be active while on dialysis.