Feeling stress and depression?
It’s common for people who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, patients on dialysis, and those who have received kidney transplants to feel sad and depressed. In fact, studies show that 20% to 40% of people with kidney failure may also have depression. If you are feeling more depressed than usual, The National Kidney Foundation has some great tips for helping you to manage your stress and anxiety.
Coping strategies
For more information
- 5 Ways to Cope
- Dialysis Depression – Patients Helping Patients
- Depression and kidney disease
- Injecting hope back into the world
- Stress and Your Kidneys
Connecting with support resources
There are numerous online support communities and emotional support hotlines to help you if you are quarantined or remaining isolated at home. The National Alliance on Mental Health hosts online communities where people exchange support and encouragement.
NAMI also recommends the following online support resources:
- 7 Cups: Free online text chat with a trained listener for emotional support and counseling. Also offers fee- for-service online therapy with a licensed mental health professional. Service/website also offered in Spanish.
- Emotions Anonymous: An international fellowship of people who desire to have a better sense of emotional well-being. EA members have in person and online weekly meetings available in more than 30 countries with 600 active groups worldwide. The EA is nonprofessional and can be a complement to therapy.
- Support Group Central: Offers virtual support groups on numerous mental health conditions – free or low-cost. Website also offered in Spanish.
- SupportGroups.com: Website featuring 200+ online support groups.
- 18percent: Offers a free, peer-to-peer online support community for those struggling with a wide range of mental health issues.
- Psych Central: Offers online mental health resources, quizzes, news, an “Ask the Therapist” function, and online support communities.
- Indiana Suicide Prevention: If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide and seeking emotional support, there are crisis lines available via phone, chat, or text
NKF Peers: Connects patients who want support with someone who has been there. Speak with a trained peer mentor who can share their experiences about dialysis, transplant, or living kidney donation with you.
NKF Cares: Offers support for people affected by kidney disease, organ donation or transplantation. It’s designed for patients, family members and care partners.