Thursday 10th October 2024 marks World Mental Health Day and is a day us here at CKD Explained are keen to mark as Mental Health is something that resonates with a lot of us. It doesn’t matter if you are a patient, parent, relative, or friend;seeing someone who suffers from CKD can affect youremotional and physical wellbeing. The official theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health this year is: “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace.”
CKD and the workplace
For us with CKD, balancing work, home and health can feel like an everlasting battle for ourselves and our loved ones. Those of us who are still in a fortunate position where we can work, it may feel like we have limited support due to the lack of knowledge that the workplace has on CKD, and the possible effects on our physical and mental wellbeing. Depending on your employment and your contract, you may be entitled to additional support to help you to continue to carry out your role to the best of your ability, and feel supported along the way. Speak to your employer, and ask them directly about any additional support they can offer. A good time to do this is during appraisals and one-to-ones, so that you can talk openly about how your condition may have a negative effect on your mental health, as well as your physical health.
So what is Mental Health?
Mental Health is something that can affect not only your mental wellbeing, but also your physical self as well. With Mental Health it can affect how we think, feel and act. No two days are the same, and some days you can find that you are having a ‘good day’ and cope normally with the everyday aspects of your life. Other days, however, it can have the complete opposite effect, and you can struggle with even the littlest of tasks. The most important part of this is it is ok to not be ok and ask for the help that you may need.
Mental Health and CKD
In your kidney journey – including dialysis and/or a transplant, many appointments, and other complications – you will go through a wide range of emotions. And that is totally fine and understandable. You may feel upset or angry, and think “Why me?” It is something that a lot of sufferers feel.
Here are some stats about mental health and how many kidney patients it affects:
So, what’s the best way to manage if you are suffering with your mental health?
There are many different things you can do from simply taking a walk to get fresh air and clear your head, talking to friends or family, asking for support from your Renal Unit, getting medication, to getting therapy.
The most important thing to remember in all of this is you are not alone! Please always reach out to people – don’t suffer in silence. Your friends and family would much rather you speak to them about how you are feeling; rather than attending your funeral because you felt that was your only way out.
Where to get help:
If you do ever have suicidal thoughts, the following services can help you:
Last Reviewed on 8 October 2024