CKD stands for Chronic Kidney Disease. It is a life-long condition that requires medical treatment. The progressive nature of the CKD can be challenging, both in terms of following medical advice and accepting the changes in diet and lifestyle.
The disease could affect an individual’s mental health due to
- Nature and expense of the treatment
- Lifestyle changes
- The need to depend on others
- Living with the symptoms and complications
- The uncertainty that follows the disease
Disrupted mental health could affect
- Sleeping habits
- Appetite and food intake
- Impact blood pressure
- Blood glucose level
- Coping
Among the more significant challenges are,
- Anxiety
One might suffer from anxiety due to stress and nervousness surrounding the disease. It could affect one’s ability to comprehend, follow and align with medical recommendations.
- Depression
The impact of the disease on work, recreation, travel, food and an overlay of anxiety can lead to depression. Thought mostly it does not require medication, it
- Smoking cessation
An individual who is a smoker at the time of CKD diagnosis finds it hard to quit, since the withdrawal symptoms would be an additional burden to the coping stress. But the benefit of smoking on long term kidney health is immense
- Cognitive impairment, including dementia
Elderly with CKD could find it burdensome to comply with stringent restrictions of diet and metabolic changes in the body due to CKD would impact cognition,
The mental health impact is more as CKD advances. One may need professional guidance to complement medical treatment including talk therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy
To help dialysis patients facing psychological challenges due to renal health, NephroPlus has collaborated with LISSUN-A team of mental health experts. Click here to know more about this collaboration as it offers benefits such as first appointment free for NephroPlus’ dialysis guests. Any patient can consult a psychologist and understand themselves better.
Ending the stigma around CKD and mental health is crucial; it will encourage people to change their lives for the better. Collectively, we all can fight it to make the world a better and safer place for all.