Feeling stress and depression?
It’s common for people who have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, patients on dialysis, and those who have received kidney transplants to feel sad and depressed. In fact, studies show that 20% to 40% of people with kidney failure may also have depression. While the risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 remains low in the general population, people who have a chronic illness or who are taking immunosuppressant drugs are at an increased risk of becoming very ill. These fears are real – and the worry and stress can lead to an even greater bout of depression. If you are feeling more depressed than usual, The Centers for Disease Control has some great tips for helping you to manage your stress and anxiety.
Coping strategies If you are feeling more depressed than usual, The Centers for Disease Control has some great tips for helping you to manage your stress and anxiety.
It is true -- the coming days are going to be unlike any we’ve ever had to face before – however, there are ways to help manage stress and depression and to help you cope when you feel sad and overwhelmed.
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Connecting with support resources
There are numerous online support communities and emotional support hotlines to help you if you are quarantined or remaining isolated at home. The National Alliance on Mental Health hosts online communities where people exchange support and encouragement. NAMI also recommends the following online support resources:
7 Cups: Free online text chat with a trained listener for emotional support and counseling. Also offers fee- for-service online therapy with a licensed mental health professional. Service/website also offered in Spanish.
Emotions Anonymous: An international fellowship of people who desire to have a better sense of emotional well-being. EA members have in person and online weekly meetings available in more than 30 countries with 600 active groups worldwide. The EA is nonprofessional and can be a complement to therapy.
Support Group Central: Offers virtual support groups on numerous mental health conditions - free or low-cost. Website also offered in Spanish.
SupportGroups.com: Website featuring 200+ online support groups.
18percent: Offers a free, peer-to-peer online support community for those struggling with a wide range of mental health issues.