20 tips for a good life

Here are 20 Tips for living a good, fulfilling life with chronic kidney disease.

Your emotions and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Support groups for people living with kidney disease

People living with chronic kidney disease, those on dialysis and their family members face unique challenges. Support from others coping with the same issues can be an important source of comfort, advice and inspiration. Find out about some of the support groups available online and in-person for people affected by kidney disease, as well as tips on starting your own.

Mental health services for people with kidney disease

May has been designated as National Mental Health Month in order to raise awareness of mental health issues. People on dialysis generally have access to a social worker and other mental health services that are available to patients and their caregivers. DaVita Social Worker Cecily Sherlock-Huizing and intern, Sara Lowe, provide treatment tips for maintaining good mental health.

Think positive and be healthier

Do you see the glass as half empty or half full? Do you think you are a lucky or unlucky person? Do you laugh a lot or a little? DaVita Social Worker, Judith A. Estes, tells us how positive thinking can help us feel better. She also gives helpful hints on how to turn that frown upside down.

Caregiver stress and chronic kidney disease

Caring for a person who has chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be stressful and lead to “caregiver burnout.”  Learn how to deal with stress as it affects caregivers and people with renal disease.

Anger and chronic kidney disease - Let’s talk about anger

Even in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) many patients will find themselves being angry about the changes they have to make in their lives. Learn tips on how to deal with anger issues in a healthy way and gain control of your life after you find out you have renal disease.

Depression—Don’t let it rob you of your happiness

Many situations in life can lead to feelings of depression. Finding out you have kidney disease, and then adjusting to the changes in your lifestyle after beginning dialysis, can cause feelings of loss and depression. If these feelings last for more than a couple of weeks you could be clinically depressed. Depression is a disease that is very common and treatable. DaVita Social Worker, Betsy Heilman, talks about depression and how to get the help you may need.

Humor and chronic kidney disease — how humor helps

Who hasn’t heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine?” Many more health care professionals are recognizing the impact a positive attitude can have on overall health, but how can this be achieved when facing a challenging situation like chronic kidney disease? Humor is one of the most powerful ways to improve your physical and mental well-being. Learn how you can use laughter to feel better about yourself and your health.

Holiday blues and chronic kidney disease

Depression around the holidays isn’t new, or even unique to those with kidney disease. Maybe it’s the colder weather or the rush of festivities, but sometimes it’s tough to have holiday cheer. DaVita social worker, Arlene Antonoff, provides helpful tips to keep you in touch with your emotional needs and beat the holiday blues.