how kidney disease can affect your mental health

October 3, 2022

Your physical and mental health are closely linked. You may notice a decline in your emotional well-being if you’re experiencing changes in your physical health, especially if you’re living with kidney disease.

Stressors Caused by Kidney Disease

A kidney disease diagnosis can be overwhelming. The uncertainty of your physical health, quality of daily living and long-term treatment requirements may leave you feeling uncertain about your future. It’s not unusual to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety if you have kidney disease.

Your stress could be triggered by the following:

  • Changes to your physical capabilities and lifestyle
  • Expenses associated with kidney disease treatment
  • Employment or retirement issues
  • The emotional effect your condition might have on your family
  • Dietary restrictions
  • Poor sleep or insomnia

Poor Mental Health as a Side Effect

Dialysis medications can cause adverse side effects, including:

  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Irritability
  • Hallucinations
  • Psychosis

Provide your doctor an updated list of all your medications to prevent incompatible medication interactions. That will lower our risk of detrimental mental side effects.

Using Self-Care to Maintain Your Mental Health

Taking care of your physical health is essential to your mental health, so eat a well-balanced diet to ensure you get the nutrition you need during dialysis.

Here are some foods packed with important nutrients that support kidney health:

  • Fish
  • Cabbage
  • Cauliflower
  • Garlic
  • Cherries
  • Apples
  • Egg whites
  • Onions
  • Bell peppers

Regular exercise maintains mobility, which goes a long way toward improving your quality of life. Physical activity also provides an outlet to release stress and clear your mind. Start slowly and try to get 30 minutes of activity at least three times a week. You’ll increase muscle mass, improve blood pressure, and lower bad cholesterol.

Trouble sleeping is a common symptom of kidney disease, so you might feel you have reduced energy. Lack of sleep often causes irritation, loss of focus, lethargy and mood swings, which may exacerbate poor mental health. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up around the same time each day.

Seek Support and Professional Help

Check in with your dialysis center to see if a social worker is available to direct you to mental health resources. There are support groups that cater to individuals living with kidney disease. You can share your worries and connect with others who share a similar experience. Professional counseling is another option. A licensed therapist can help you understand your mental health and teach you coping techniques to address depression and anxiety.

Embassy Healthcare is committed to supporting the emotional health of each resident during dialysis. Call 216-378-2050 or contact us online to learn about our mental wellness support services.