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.
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. To access a list of phone, email and website supports in NZ, please click Here
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.
There are a number of active Facebook groups in New Zealand. Some are region specific, condition specific and some are national. You can find a list and links below.
If you are impacted by kidney disease, and you would like to speak with someone about support with finances such as your benefit, accommodation, or medication costs, please contact Ministry of Social Development in the first instance.
The Kidney Society (previously known as Auckland District Kidney Society - ADKS)
Based in Auckland, The Kidney Society primarily offer support from the middle of the North Island to Northland.
Their website and contact details can be found here
The Kidney Society have a lot of patient resources available - and operate a number of dialysis houses in the Auckland area. Some special resources on offer from the Kidney Society include kidney friendly exercises and wellness tips on their YouTube channel.
Christchurch Kidney Society (CKS)
Based in Christchurch, the Christchurch Kidney Society (CKS) offers support to the entirety of the South Island - partly due to all South Island kidney transplants being conducted at Christchurch Hospital. With patients in the South Island travelling to Christchurch for treatment, workups, visits or other reasons, CKS is a great organization that can help all kinds of patients access equitable support. CKS offers an amazing kidney friendly cookbook, be sure to flick them an email if you're interested.
Their website and contact details can be found here.
Otago Kidney Society and Wellington Kidney Support Society
Based in Otago and Wellington, these societies support patients from their respective catchment areas.
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