Part of living with chronic kidney disease is finding ways to cope with feelings like stress.  For many, a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can come as a complete surprise and create feelings of anxiety, disbelief or denial.  You may not even realize stress when you’re going though it so, learning about the symptoms may help you become aware and focus on managing it.

The first step to managing mental health issues is to acknowledge the way you feel.  Learning to cope with stress can make an illness more tolerable.  Meditation and mindfulness can bring a sense of calmness and even rejuvenation.  Taking a yoga class or doing a few yoga poses can also ease overwhelming feelings of stress. Talking to a friend or family member is a tried and true method of stress relief.  Educating yourself about CKD can bring a sense of self-empowerment and confidence.

The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to your care team. They can refer you to resources like a counselor, therapist or a local support group who can help you.  Find tips to help manage stress from our friends at Fresenius Kidney Care.