How has CKD impacted your mental health?
Mental health is important to everyone, but can be especially important when living with a chronic health condition, like chronic kidney disease (CKD). There can be many different emotions and feelings that come up at different points of the journey when living with CKD. If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd love to hear more about the emotional effects of CKD 💚 Also, what has helped you cope with the emotional impact?
What mental health issues should I be aware of and better treat myself so I can prevent these?
Hi
, In my experience, I struggled with anxiety and depression more anxiety because I felt the worse my condition got, the more I was worried about the risk that it would have on me, the symptoms I would be getting and more so with the surgery and medication, how they would change me and affect my everyday life, When I was younger it was harder for me dealing with my emotions.
But still, now, I believe in seeing a renal therapist or having a therapist I can talk to, having a support system that helps and raises me on my bad days and enjoys the good days with me, and talking to people who understand my condition and what I am going through helps me a lot. I tried different types of therapy as I couldn't take medication for my anxiety and depression. I always try to walk in my capabilities to get fresh air and a different view. I hope this helps you in some way.
Thanks Sabad (Team Member)The fatigue is so overwhelming, my energy is at zero. I can't get off the couch. I don't know how to deal with this.
I was exhausted early on and for years before I ever knew I had kidney disease. I've looked for years for something to give me more energy and I finally found what works for me. I've been taking Serovital since August 2022. It has perked up my energy level tremendously! I still work at age 74 and there used to be really tiring and painful evenings after a 3 hr. caregiver job. I would go home and run a hot tub with Epsom salts and collapse in the tub until my water was cold. It helped for an hour or two. That was my routine most nights. Life was not good at that time. Now that I am taking Serovital, my energy level is off the charts, in my opinion only! I do know that since I've taken it, I don't take those immediate baths after work anymore. To me that's a major indicator of a positive reaction to something that is very much working for me!. I just overall feel better. It didn't come over me with quick energy. It was more of me just being able to do more of the same job as before and not feeling how I felt before--exhausted! Mind you, I still can get tired by the end of the day but I can last all day now. I still need little breaks. That exhausted "feeling" has never come back. I pretty much feel like a normal person should. Before Serovital I knew my tiredness and that exhausted feeling was definitely NOT normal but no doctor could ever pinpoint what was causing it so I found the answer myself. I should be Serovital's spokesperson because I feel 1000% BETTER than I had for 40 years! It takes time too actually know when it started working for me then one day I realized I was doing much better with my energy levels! I will take that stuff til the day I die! That's how much faith I have in it!!!
Hey
, That's amazing that you've seen such positive results! Thanks for sharing your story! Do you have any other routines, besides your medication, that help you feel better throughout the day? It sounds like you used to enjoy taking hot baths, but have you found other ways to treat yourself now that your body is feeling better? - Kat (Team Member)
Both of my children and myself have CKD. They are adults and were diagnosed early ages 5 and 8. Because polycystic kidney disease is hereditary all 3of my daughters kids will be tested as well. This takes a huge toll on all of our mental health.
, my heart goes out to you and your family. I can see how the genetic component of PKD can take a big toll on your family. I'm glad that your daughter's kids will also be tested. Please know that the community is here for you if you ever need a place to vent or are looking for support 💙 Thinking of you, Minel (Team member)
