Contents:
- Medical Video: Queen of dialysis describes her dependence on a machine | Maddy Warren | TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells
- What can patients and their families do about feelings of depression and anxiety?
- How can patients and their families handle stress from chronic kidney disease?
- Is it normal for dialysis patients to sometimes feel disappointed with staff at the dialysis unit?
- When should you seek professional counseling?
- Is it normal for kidney patients to have mood swings?
Medical Video: Queen of dialysis describes her dependence on a machine | Maddy Warren | TEDxRoyalTunbridgeWells
What can patients and their families do about feelings of depression and anxiety?
This feeling is very common. One of the most helpful things you can do is talk to them. Feelings are real and need to be expressed. You may have been taught that crying is "weak," but often that is what you need to do. You and your family will have more difficulty adapting to kidney failure if you save your own sadness and anxiety. Other patients can be a good source of support and inspiration. Ask for the names of patients that you can make friends talk to the care team.
Even the closest family member does not have the ability to read your mind. Expressing your needs is a good thing. With stress due to kidney disease, it is important to maintain a sense of warmth and closeness with family and friends. Expressing feelings openly and honestly is important for your family's health and your emotional calm. However, it is important not to make your family members feel guilty about the disease or to vent your anger about the disease in them.
Patients may feel they are a burden to their family. It is important to realize that kidney failure does not occur only in yourself, but also in your family. Sharing thoughts and feelings in a good and honest way can help you and your family. Including negative feelings such as sadness, anger, fear and hatred. Keeping these thoughts and feelings alone will create emotional distance between family members.
How can patients and their families handle stress from chronic kidney disease?
It is important to realize that the pressure and frustration of kidney failure is real and is a very difficult time. Family members may feel as if they want to give up, especially if they have never faced a big challenge before and the diagnosis is unexpected. They may feel helpless because they cannot do anything about this disease. They may be angry because kidney disease occurs in their family. They may fear that the patient can die. They may feel guilty if they don't realize how serious the disease is.
The period of confusion and tension can occur because everyone tries to overcome the demands of the disease, treatment anxiety, daily life disorders and sudden "supervision" of the health care system. Kidney failure requires changes in lifestyle. Regular tasks and activities that require physical strength may be difficult now. Family members or friends may have to take on additional responsibilities.
Finally, family life can return to near normal, with treatment included as a new routine.
The following steps can help to reduce stress:
- Talk to staff at the dialysis unit or transplant clinic
- Write down the previous question and inform family members about changes in treatment
- Find out as much as you can about the disease through the National Kidney Institute, local or national support groups, written material and education classes
- Stay involved in fun, daily activities and responsibilities
- Find time to exercise that suits your condition
- Share your feelings with family or close friends
- Share feelings with other patients
- Seek help from social workers at dialysis units or transplant clinics or from outside counselors, if family or personal problems need more attention
- Find time to enjoy the outdoors
- Try to reach your previous goals and manage your care according to your goals
- Be patient and set realistic goals in adjusting to all lifestyle changes.
Is it normal for dialysis patients to sometimes feel disappointed with staff at the dialysis unit?
Yes. Each dialysis unit is different from every other health care. The dialysis unit is almost a "second family" because of the amount of time you spend there. The staff really cares about your health and well-being. However, as with family members, it is normal to feel frustrated and angry with them sometimes. Hatred caused by a feeling of dependence on others is the most common cause of this feeling. It is important for you to discuss your concerns with staff in a polite manner. Keeping your hatred tight to yourself can affect your care, health and adjustment.
When should you seek professional counseling?
Living with kidney disease and treatment can be irritating, especially in the early weeks and months. Most patients and families go through a period of mourning when they try to adjust to complex feelings and make the necessary changes. Many people wonder if they will be able to deal well enough and whether their feelings are "normal." Most people go through a crisis period at the beginning, but with support from family, friends, medical staff and other patients, they finally adjust to the life of the disease kidney.
Dialysis units and transplant facilities have professionally trained social workers available to provide adjustment counseling. Generally, the following may indicate the need for professional help:
- Depression lasts more than two weeks
- Thinking of suicide
- Increased appetite loss or appetite
- Too much or too little sleep
- Losing interest in activities that you normally enjoy
- Repeatedly feeling angry
- Drug or alcohol abuse
- Inability to make decisions
- Social isolation
Through counseling, patients and families can learn to strengthen their hearts and learn new ways to deal with kidney disease and needed treatment. If additional professional assistance is needed beyond what social workers can provide, ask for referrals to a local mental clinic or private counselor (psychiatrist, psychologist or social worker). Remember, asking for help is not a sign that you are weak, but your desire to be better.
Is it normal for kidney patients to have mood swings?
Moodiness is common among kidney patients. This is often seen as a result of the following factors:
- Uremia, or accumulation of waste products in the blood, can cause irritation to the nervous system, leading to increased irritability
- Some medications can cause moodiness or make you look depressed.
Stress caused by chronic diseases can affect various feelings and moods. These include general irritation, anger and frustration over problems caused by illness, and feelings of hopelessness and helplessness when dealing with life-threatening illnesses.
