Living with a new diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be overwhelming at first. Your energy will be directed towards planning what your future might look like, thinking about your treatment options, and managing your physical wellbeing to optimise your health. But looking after your emotional wellbeing is just as important as looking after your physical health.
A diagnosis of CKD does not just affect the person, but their entire family/whānau, their friends, and those who care for them. Some people feel that their life has been turned upside down. As a result of getting a diagnosis of CKD, the person may have to manage changes to their working life, family life, finances and activities, particularly if they feel tired, or are having to juggle dialysis commitments.
These changes can cause a great deal of stress, and a range of emotional reactions that is similar to grieving. Some people may feel shock, anger or sadness. Some people may have trouble adjusting to an altered sense of identity when being diagnosed with a chronic illness. Others report a loss of control or independence in their life. Some people find it hard to talk about how they are feeling. These feelings can be overwhelming, and relationships, work and home life can suffer without the right support.
Fortunately, most people learn to live with CKD, but they may need to adjust some aspects of their lives in order to manage their wellbeing, their energy, and to reach a place of acceptance of this new diagnosis.
Acceptance of living with CKD may not always come easily or without support from others. While you may not be able to change a diagnosis, you can change the way you deal with it.
Here are some ideas that may help you manage these changes and feelings:
If you have been referred to hospital renal services, you can ask for support. Most renal services have renal social workers, and some have psychology support available. A social worker can assist with such issues as travel to dialysis, housing, care supports, employment or financial supports. If you are struggling with your mental health, let your renal specialist know. You may be able to talk with a renal psychologist.
If you, your loved ones, or your GP or specialist feel that you are depressed, your doctor or nurse practitioner may be able to help. They may refer you for funded counselling or talk therapy with a counsellor or psychologist.
They may also recommend the use of an anti-depressant medication to see if it helps. If you are prescribed an anti-depressant medication, it may take up to six weeks before you, or those around you, start noticing a difference in your mood.
Because accessing GP appointments and counselling support is not always immediate, and the effects of the anti-depressant medications can take weeks to be effective, it is better to talk with your doctor earlier, rather than later.
If your symptoms of depression are getting worse, or if you have thoughts about wanting to end your life, please talk with your doctor as soon as possible.
If you need to talk with someone right away, helpline services are available right now that offer support to you, and those you care about.
If you (or someone you know) are having a mental health crisis, are thinking seriously about harming yourself or have a plan in place to end your life, please call your local mental health crisis assessment team at your nearest hospital https://info.health.nz/services-support/mental-health-services/crisis-assessment-teams/ You can also go straight to your local emergency department who will call the mental health crisis assessment team.
If a person is in immediate danger to themselves or others, call 111.