May is Mental Health Awareness Month

[JackieJ_NKF]

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learn more about 8 simple practices to manage kidney disease stress and mental health. kidney.org/newsletter/8-sim...

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I read though the suggestions and all though nice, they are not what is needed. There needs to be much more direct mental support for CKD patients, especially at end stage, dialysis and transplant. And although the "techniques" mentioned are great, they are a panacea. The issue is there is not enough direct support with mental health. There is not enough training done with med techs and nurses on the trauma that is part of going on dialysis or getting a transplant. The money is not forth coming because it is not profitable. Therefore, patients slip though the web and struggle to survive with depression and even suicide. Want to see a change? Then pay for clinic visits with a mental health counselor. I had to laugh with the list when I think of how many people get up at 4am to do home hemo to get to work on time and then come home and take care of their family. And then set up their equipment for the next day. When would you like them to schedule a painting class?

[JackieJ_NKF Partner in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you for your suggestions. While you make some valid points, please keep in mind these techniques were posted as a means to alleviate a few stresses some might endure while navigating kidney disease. We absolutely agree with seeking therapeutic professional consultation and assistance should breathing techniques, community support engagements and painting classes not suffice.

[CKD2-4]

Great suggestions. Exercise eating healthy and being outdoors have been life savers for me. For those looking for counseling support you might check with your insurance. Mine just sent out an update the other day stating telehealth mental health counseling is available.

[barbara55109]

Three years ago I posted tips for finding a therapist. I'm reposting it here.

In addition to the often seen plea of “how do I find a renal dietician” I’ve noticed some seeking help finding a therapist. Talking through our thoughts and feelings as we learn to accept/acknowledge/manage our situations can help ease the depression and anxiety that often accompany chronic health conditions. While EVERY therapist says they can help patients with depression and anxiety, there are therapists that specialize in helping people cope with medical illnesses. In the US, most health insurance plans cover mental health treatment. Your first stop should be your insurance plan to find out what therapists are in and out of your network. Get the entire list, not just the first person the member help desk gives you. There are several online search engines that can help narrow your search. Psychology Today and Good Therapy let you search by different key words. There are many different types of therapy. I suggest you look for therapists that specialize in Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Mindfulness-Based, Solutions Based therapy. I personally did not find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helpful, but many others do. There are also professional organizations for different types of therapy. Since I knew I wanted an ACT therapist I searched the member list of their professional organization for local therapists. Look for therapists who facilitate group programs for people with chronic pain or cancer. Read the descriptions provided on provider profiles. Look for key words like chronic illness, chronic pain and health psychology. If you find a few options, then make appointments to see 2 or 3 to find a person who is a good fit. Frankly, I’ll suffer through appointments with a surgeon who has terrible bedside manner if they are the best cutter in town, but therapy is different. Therapy isn’t helpful if you don’t find a therapist you can connect with. Hmm, drafting this I realize there is a need for a more indepth article to help CKD people find a therapist... Best wishes