Emotional effects

Coping with kidney failure isn't just about managing the physical symptoms with treatment. It is a major life change that can cause a great deal of stress and can give rise to a range of emotional reactions:

The illness can cause:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Feeling of frustration or anger about the illness.

Tiredness and anxiety along with the physical effects of the illness itself - can result in sexual problems.

Taking care of your emotional well-being is just as important as looking after your health. Please do not be afraid of discussing emotional or sexual problems with the staff at your Unit. They will be familiar with the kind of problems you may encounter and will be supportive. They may also be able to offer practical solutions to some of your difficulties.

It has helped me to realise that it is OK to feel anxious....I thought it was only me, not other patients as well