People with kidney disease may be at higher risk of anxiety and depression. But taking care of your mental health can have a positive effect on your outlook with kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a lifelong condition and requires medical treatment. The stress of living with a chronic, progressive condition can affect your mental health.
Managing CKD requires vigilance, and your mental health is a factor. Conditions such as stress, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder can worsen your symptoms. They may also make it harder to follow your treatment plan or practice the healthy habits you need to live well with CKD.
It’s important to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional to manage your mental health and well-being. There are also ways you can improve your outlook in your everyday life to make coping with CKD easier.
How does chronic kidney disease affect mental health?
The relationship between CKD and mental health works in both directions. CKD can affect your mental health, and your mental health can affect your CKD.
Researchers are trying to find the connections between the kidneys and the brain to learn more about how CKD can affect mental well-being.
Some research suggests that cognitive impairment, such as dementia, could relate to circulatory system damage that affects the kidneys and brain.
There isn’t a definitive connection between CKD and mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, though these often occur together.
You may experience mental health changes because of the stressors associated with CKD. These may include:
- the logistics and cost of treatment
- restrictions to your lifestyle or working life
- the need to rely on others
- living with CKD symptoms or complications
- uncertainty about your health or future